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Partially obstructing antral web in infants is a self-limiting condition. Surgical intervention is typically unnecessary, as most cases resolve without surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Congenital antral webs can cause gastric outlet obstruction in infants.
- Treatment options range from surgical excision to conservative management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes of surgical and non-operative treatments for partially obstructing antral webs in infants.
- To determine the natural history and optimal management strategy for this condition.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective follow-up study of 11 infants diagnosed with partially obstructing antral webs.
- Patients were divided into surgical (web excision and pyloroplasty) and non-operative (antispasmodics, special formula) groups.
- Clinical symptoms, treatment outcomes, and radiographic findings were assessed.
Main Results:
- Five of seven surgically treated infants experienced persistent postoperative vomiting.
- All patients, regardless of treatment, were symptom-free at 6 months post-treatment.
- Upper gastrointestinal radiography showed no persistence of the antral web in non-operated patients.
Conclusions:
- Partially obstructing antral webs in infancy appear to be a self-limited condition.
- Surgical correction is generally reserved for cases with severe clinical presentation.
- Conservative management may be effective for less severe cases, avoiding surgical risks.
Abstract:
Eleven patients have been followed from 1 to 6 yr after diagnosis and treatment during infancy of partially obstructing antral web. Seven had surgical correction, six with web excision and pyloroplasty. Four were treated nonoperatively with antispasmodics and small curd formula. Five of the seven operated infants had continued vomiting postoperatively. All patients in both groups were symptom-free 6 mo posttreatment. Three of four nonoperated patients had follow-up upper gastrointestinal radiography. None had persistence of the antral web. We conclude that partially obstructing antral web in infancy is a self limited disease and that surgical correction is indicated only for severe clinical illness.