The risk of midgut volvulus in patients with abdominal wall defects: A multi-institutional study

Resuscitation strategies for surgical patients in the neonatal intensive care unit

Resuscitation of an infant with surgical complications includes both perioperative and post-operative management. In most cases this requires a multidisciplinary approach to achieve the best outcomes. Challenges include immediate expert management at infant delivery with the use of protocolized care, available anesthesia expertise, close monitoring of electrolytes with prompt attention to fluid status, and meticulous pain management. In this review, we will address contemporary research and ongoing challenges associated with resuscitation. We will make recommendations for effective resuscitation of this vulnerable and unique population from premature infant to term infant with complex surgical needs.

Abdominal Surgical Emergencies in Neonates

Abdominal surgical emergencies are relatively common in neonates. Some of them are related to congenital diseases such as intestinal atresia and intestinal malrotation, whereas some are entirely postnatal conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis and gastric perforation. While there is a wide range of clinical severity for these conditions, outcomes are most favorable with prompt identification and expeditious treatment. In this review, we describe the most common neonatal abdominal surgical emergencies, highlight the signs that can help with early detection, and explain the approach to diagnosis and management.

Abdominal Wall Defects: A Review of Current Practice Guidelines

The 2 most common congenital abdominal wall defects are gastroschisis and omphalocele. Gastroschisis is a defect in the abdominal wall with exposed abdominal contents. Mortality rates are low but lengths of stay are often prolonged by bowel dysmotility and other intestinal abnormalities in complicated cases. Omphalocele is a defect through the umbilical cord with herniated abdominal contents covered by a sac. It is associated with other genetic abnormalities and other anomalies that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Prenatal diagnosis in both conditions allows for improved prenatal consultation and coordinated perinatal care to improve clinical outcomes.

Coexisting gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tract anomalies in omphalocele and gastroschisis: A twenty-year experience in a single tertiary medical center

BACKGROUND

Omphalocele and gastroschisis are the two most common congenital abdominal wall defects; however, no previous study has focused on gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tract malformations in these two conditions. This study aimed to investigate the demographic characteristics, coexisting congenital gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tract anomalies, hospital course, and outcomes of patients with gastroschisis and omphalocele.

METHODS

This is retrospective chart review of all patients admitted to one tertiary medical center in Taiwan between January 1, 2000 and June 30, 2020 with a diagnosis of gastroschisis or omphalocele. The medical records were reviewed to obtain demographic data regarding coexisting gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tract anomalies and outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 51 patients included, 21 had gastroschisis and 30 had omphalocele. Gastroschisis was associated with a significantly younger maternal age and a higher incidence of small for gestational age. Of the 30 patients with omphalocele, twelve had associated gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary anomalies. Seven of the 21 patients with gastroschisis had gastrointestinal anomalies, and none had hepatobiliary anomalies. Among the omphalocele patients, three (10%) had documented malrotation, and one developed midgut volvulus. Among gastroschisis patients, four patients (19%) had malrotation, and two developed midgut volvulus. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative complications or mortality rates between those with and without gastrointestinal/hepatobiliary tract anomalies.

CONCLUSION

The diversity of coexisting gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tract anomalies is higher in the omphalocele than in gastroschisis. In addition, we demonstrate that patients with gastroschisis or omphalocele have a higher rate of intestinal malrotation and midgut volvulus.

Distinguishing outcomes of neonatal intestinal volvulus: Review of our experience over the last 20 years

AIM

There are two types of intestinal volvulus: midgut (MGV) and segmental (SV). Patients with different types of intestinal volvulus are often included in the same case series, which may affect the perception of how severe "intestinal volvuli" are. We aimed to compare both types of intestinal volvulus.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study including all patients with MGV and SV up to 28 days of life admitted to a tertiary hospital in Spain over a 20-year-period (1999-2019). A comparison between groups and a logistic regression model for mortality were done.

RESULTS

We identified 32 patients: 23 MGV and 9 SV. Malrotation was exclusive of MGV. Prenatal diagnosis, cystic fibrosis, and intestinal resection were significantly more frequent in SV. Surgery was performed at a significantly lower age in SV. The mortality observed in acute MGV with intestinal compromise (41.7%) is four times higher than the mortality of SV (11.1%). The overall mortality of all MGV patients (21.7%) is almost twice that of SV. Mortality was best predicted by the presence of hemodynamic instability (OR 27.5 95% CI 2.50-302.17; p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

SV and MGV have a different clinical presentation. Hemodynamic instability is the major risk factor for death.

Nomogram for Estimating the Risks of Intestinal Ischemia and Necrosis in Neonates With Midgut Volvulus: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Delayed diagnosis and inaccurate judgment of the severity of the disease may be the principal reasons for the poor prognosis associated with neonatal midgut volvulus. We aimed to develop a nomogram model that timely assesses the risks of intestinal ischemia and necrosis in the neonate with midgut volvulus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from neonates with midgut volvulus who were admitted to Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center from January 2009 to December 2019. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to obtain independent factors to build a predictive model. The independent factors were used to develop the nomogram model.

RESULTS

Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, serum C-reactive protein, serum sodium, serum albumin, and pH levels were independent predictors for intestinal ischemia and necrosis in patients with midgut volvulus. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the predictive model was 0.985 (95% confidence interval, 0.966-0.999; P < 0.001). The sensitivity was 90.48%, and the specificity was 93.10%. A nomogram model was established using the six independent predictors, with a C-index of 0.859 and a favorable consistency between the predicted and actual intestinal ischemia and necrosis rates according to the internal validation.

CONCLUSION

The constructed nomogram model could be a superior tool for predicting intestinal ischemia and necrosis in neonates with midgut volvulus.

Incidence of surgical procedures for gastrointestinal complications after abdominal wall closure in patients with gastroschisis and omphalocele

PURPOSE

This study aims to define the extent of additional surgical procedures after abdominal wall closure (AWC) in patients with gastroschisis (GS) and omphalocele (OC) with special focus on gastrointestinal related operations.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed including all operations in GS and OC patients in the first year after AWC (2010-2019). The risk for surgery was calculated using the one-year cumulative incidence (CI).

RESULTS

33 GS patients (18 simple GS, 15 complex) and 24 OC patients (12 without (= OCL), 12 OC patients with liver protrusion (= OCL +)) were eligible for analysis. 43 secondary operations (23 in GS, 20 in OC patients) occurred after a median time of 84 days (16-824) in GS and 114.5 days (12-4368) in OC. Patients with complex versus simple GS had a significantly higher risk of undergoing a secondary operation (one-year CI 64.3% vs. 24.4%; p = 0.05). 86.5% of surgical procedures in complex GS and 36.3% in OCL + were related to gastrointestinal complications. Complex GS had a significantly higher risk for GI-related surgery than simple GS. Bowel obstruction was a risk factor for surgery in complex GS (one-year CI 35.7%).

CONCLUSION

Complex GS and OCL + patients had the highest risk of undergoing secondary operations, especially those with gastrointestinal complications.

Five Hundred Patients With Gut Malrotation: Thirty Years of Experience With the Introduction of a New Surgical Procedure

OBJECTIVES

Define clinical spectrum and long-term outcomes of gut malrotation. With new insights, an innovative procedure was introduced and predictive models were established.

METHODS

Over 30-years, 500 patients were managed at 2 institutions. Of these, 274 (55%) were children at time of diagnosis. At referral, 204 (41%) patients suffered midgut-loss and the remaining 296 (59%) had intact gut with a wide range of digestive symptoms. With midgut-loss, 189 (93%) patients underwent surgery with gut transplantation in 174 (92%) including 16 of 31 (16%) who had autologous gut reconstruction. Ladd's procedure was documented in 192 (38%) patients with recurrent or de novo volvulus in 41 (21%). For 80 patients with disabling gastrointestinal symptoms, gut malrotation correction (GMC) surgery "Kareem's procedure" was offered with completion of the 270° embryonic counterclockwise-rotation, reversal of vascular-inversion, and fixation of mesenteric-attachments. Concomitant colonic dysmotility was observed in 25 (31%) patients.

RESULTS

The cumulative risk of midgut-loss increased with volvulus, prematurity, gastroschisis, and intestinal atresia whereas reduced with Ladd's and increasing age. Transplant cumulative survival was 63% at 10-years and 54% at 20-years with best outcome among infants and liver-containing allografts. Autologous gut reconstruction achieved 78% and GMC had 100% 10-year survival. Ladd's was associated with 21% recurrent/de novo volvulus and worsening (P > 0.05) of the preoperative National Institute of Health patient-reported outcomes measurement information system gastrointestinal symptom scales. GMC significantly (P ≤ 0.001) improved all of the symptomatology domains with no technical complications or development of volvulus. GMC improved quality of life with restored nutritional autonomy (P < 0.0001) and daily activities (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Gut malrotation is a clinicopathologic syndrome affecting all ages. The introduced herein definitive correction procedure is safe, effective, and easy to perform. Accordingly, the current standard of care practice should be redefined in this orphan population.

Long-term core outcomes of patients with simple gastroschisis

PURPOSE

To report the long-term core outcome set of patients with simple gastroschisis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of all patients with simple gastroschisis managed at our hospital between August 2008 and July 2016. We collected all data included in the core outcome set developed for the standardization of gastroschisis outcomes reporting. We conducted a phone survey of the patients' parents using the PedsQL™ Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Cognitive Functioning Scale, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scale (GSS). Additionally, parents reported their subjective evaluation of the patients' cosmetic result and overall quality of life.

RESULTS

There were 124 patients included in the study. The majority (76.5%) was born prematurely at a median gestational age of 36 (range 27.6-38) weeks. At neonatal discharge (median 36 days [18-150] days) most patients were below the 10th percentile for height (81.4%) and weight (87%). Their growth, however, normalized during early childhood. Seven patients (5.6%) required at some point an operation for acute abdominal complications. One-third of patients required long-term treatment for constipation and one-third of patients required long-term treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Thirty-five parents participated in the phone survey. Mean parent-reported quality of life score was better than healthy controls (87.5% vs. 82.3%, p = 0.049). Cognitive functions and gastrointestinal symptoms scores were similar to healthy controls. All patients are alive.

CONCLUSION

Growth restriction in patients with simple gastroschisis is common at birth and during the neonatal period, but it improves during the first three years of life. Abdominal operations are rarely needed in patients with simple gastroschisis. GERD and constipation, on the other hand, are common and often require long-term medical management. The overall parent-reported quality of life of patients with simple gastroschisis is excellent.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Gastroschisis: A State-of-the-Art Review

Gastroschisis, the most common type of abdominal wall defect, has seen a steady increase in its prevalence over the past several decades. It is identified, both prenatally and postnatally, by the location of the defect, most often to the right of a normally-inserted umbilical cord. It disproportionately affects young mothers, and appears to be associated with environmental factors. However, the contribution of genetic factors to the overall risk remains unknown. While approximately 10% of infants with gastroschisis have intestinal atresia, extraintestinal anomalies are rare. Prenatal ultrasound scans are useful for early diagnosis and identification of features that predict a high likelihood of associated bowel atresia. The timing and mode of delivery for mothers with fetuses with gastroschisis have been somewhat controversial, but there is no convincing evidence to support routine preterm delivery or elective cesarean section in the absence of obstetric indications. Postnatal surgical management is dictated by the condition of the bowel and the abdominal domain. The surgical options include either primary reduction and closure or staged reduction with placement of a silo followed by delayed closure. The overall prognosis for infants with gastroschisis, in terms of both survival as well as long-term outcomes, is excellent. However, the management and outcomes of a subset of infants with complex gastroschisis, especially those who develop short bowel syndrome (SBS), remains challenging. Future research should be directed towards identification of epidemiological factors contributing to its rising incidence, improvement in the management of SBS, and obstetric/fetal interventions to minimize intestinal damage.

Acute midgut volvulus in a septuagenarian with secondary jejunoileal diverticulitis and undiagnosed congenital malrotation: an unusual presentation

A 79-year-old male presented with abdominal pain, incidental umbilical hernia and acute midgut volvulus that was not detected until surgical exploration. When he presented to hospital, computed tomography (CT) findings indicated perforated jejunoileal diverticulitis; however, in the operating room clockwise volvulization of the jejunum and ileum, secondarily inflamed jejunoileal diverticula, incomplete malrotation (right-sided duodenojejunal flexure), right retroperitoneal adhesions (Ladd’s bands) and numerous other congenital adhesive bands were found. A modified Ladd’s procedure and umbilical hernia repair were completed including detorsion, division of Ladd’s bands with medialization of the cecum and lysis of other congenital adhesions without appendectomy. The patient recovered to baseline function by 3 weeks postoperatively. Acute midgut volvulus is a life-threatening surgical emergency that is exceptionally rare in the elderly. CT is relatively insensitive, so misdiagnosis is common. A high index of suspicion is required, especially in patients with a history of congenital gastrointestinal abnormalities. Prompt surgical exploration for correction and prevention is crucial.

Immediate versus staged repair of omphaloceles

Omphalocele is an abdominal wall defect involving the umbilical ring which results in visceral herniation of small and large intestine, liver, spleen and sometimes gonads. The covering of the herniated viscera by a fused membrane consisting of peritoneum, Wharton's jelly and amnion projects viscera from mechanical injury and exposure to chemical irritants in amniotic fluid. Omphalocele is usually diagnosed before birth, is variable in size, and is frequently associated with chromosomal and somatic anomalies, syndromes, and variable degrees of pulmonary hypoplasia which can be lethal. In this article we examine surgical closure options for omphaloceles ranging from early primary fascial repair for small omphaloceles to a staged repair, often facilitated by an amnion preserving silo, which may be necessary for giant omphaloceles that cannot be closed primarily. We also review some of the adjuncts to abdominal wall reconstruction including tissue expansion and mesh. Conservative management (paint and wait) of giant omphaloceles is described elsewhere.

Intestinal malrotation in infants with omphalocele: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The management of intestinal malrotation in infants with omphalocele varies among surgeons. Herein, we aimed to determine whether infants with omphalocele should be investigated for malrotation.

METHODS

Using a defined search strategy, three investigators identified all studies reporting patients with omphalocele and malrotation. Outcome measures included: 1. incidence of malrotation; 2. correlation with the abdominal size defect in patients with omphalocele; 3. risk of volvulus in those not investigated for malrotation; 4. incidence of adhesive bowel obstruction in those who underwent Ladd's procedure. The meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and using RevMan 5.3.

RESULTS

Of 111 articles analyzed, 12 (3888 children) reported malrotation in 136 patients (3.5%). Malrotation was equally found in patients with major (15.2%) and minor (13.6%; p = 0.52) omphalocele. A volvulus was more common in children who had Ladd's procedure (8%) than in those who did not (1%; p = 0.03). Adhesive bowel obstruction rate was similar in both groups (5% vs. 3%; p = 0.21).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of malrotation in infants with omphalocele is low but probably underreported, and is not influenced by the size of the defect. At present, there is no evidence in the literature to support investigations to detect malrotation in infants with omphalocele.

TYPE OF STUDY

Therapeutic.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Surgical strategies in complex gastroschisis

Currently, the most important determinant of gastroschisis outcomes in high resource settings is whether the condition is associated with intestinal complications, such as atresia, necrosis, perforation, or volvulus. This form of the anomaly, known as complex gastroschisis, accounts for most of the mortality and a disproportionate burden of the morbidity from gastroschisis. There is some disagreement about what constitutes complex gastroschisis, and little consensus on the type and timing of surgical interventions. This article establishes a clear definition of complex gastroschisis. Surgical approaches to treatment of the diverse presentations of complex gastroschisis will be described and the timing of such interventions will be discussed. Contemporary outcomes of complex gastroschisis will be reviewed. Finally, a non-congenital intestinal complications that may arise in gastroschisis patients will be discussed.

Preemptive Ladd Procedure in congenital diaphragmatic hernia and Abdominal Wall defects does not reduce the risk of future volvulus

INTRODUCTION

Patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), gastroschisis, and omphalocele are prone to abnormalities of intestinal rotation and thus future midgut volvulus. Controversy exists whether routine preemptive Ladd procedure in this subgroup of asymptomatic patients is of value to reduce future volvulus.

METHODS

The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database was queried for neonates with CDH, gastroschisis, and omphalocele between January 2009 and September 2015. Standard univariate and multivariate analysis was completed to compare risk of volvulus between patients treated with a preemptive Ladd versus no Ladd (p<0.05).

RESULTS

Seven thousand seven hundred forty-nine neonates with CDH (40%), gastroschisis (38%), omphalocele (14%), and abdominal wall malformation (NOS) (9%) were identified. Overall, 3.6% (n=279) had a preemptive. Thirty-two patients had subsequent volvulus. Ladd procedure did not reduce volvulus readmissions for any diagnosis and was associated with a significantly increased risk of volvulus for omphalocele patients (9.1% vs 0.1%, p<0.001). Overall, a Ladd procedure during the index admission was associated with a higher risk for volvulus (1.4% vs. 0.4%, p=0.021) and was associated with a 3.28 increased odds ratio of future volvulus (95% CI 1.12-9.68).

CONCLUSION

Ladd procedure performed prophylactically in patients with CDH, gastroschisis, and omphalocele did not reduce subsequent volvulus.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, Retrospective Comparative Study.