[Duplication of the small intestine. Unusual cause of abdominal pain]

Duplications of the alimentary tract are rare. Since 1982 only three patients with such anomalies have been treated in the Department of Paediatric Surgery at the University Hospital in Trondheim, Norway. We describe the last patient treated, where duplication of the ileum was found upon laparotomy, performed because of exaggerated recurrent abdominal pain. Duplications may be found anywhere along the alimentary tract and diagnosis can be difficult. The duplications can be found upon laparotomy for suspected appendicitis or bowel obstruction. The condition may also be suspected upon antenatal ultrasonography and in the event of abdominal symptoms after birth.