Laparoscopic versus Open Surgery for Malrotation Without Volvulus

Systematic Review of Definitions and Outcome Measures for Postoperative Ileus and Return of Bowel Function after Abdominal Surgery in Children

This review aims to objectify which definitions and outcome measures are used for the return of bowel function and postoperative ileus in children. PubMed and Embase were systematically searched from inception to December 17, 2020. Prospective studies conducted in children (aged 0-18 years) undergoing gastrointestinal surgery which reported on definitions and/or outcome measures for post-operative ileus or return of bowel function were evaluated. Definitions and outcome measures were extracted. From 4,027 references, 71 articles were included. From the 17 articles mentioning postoperative ileus, 8 (47%) provided a definition. In total, 34 outcome measures were used and 12 were unique. "Abdominal distension" was the most reported (41%) measure. In 41%, the outcome measures only described the return of gastric motility, while 18% described the return of intestinal motility. The return of bowel function was mentioned in 67 articles, none provided a definition. In total, 133 outcome measures were used and 37 were unique. Time to oral intake was the most reported (14%) measure. In 49%, the outcome measures only described the return of gastric motility, while 10% described the return of intestinal motility. High variation in definitions and outcome measures has limited the generalizability of research into postoperative bowel function in children. Without standardization, it will be impossible to compare research results and evaluate treatments. In children, the return of gastric motility seemingly should get more focus compared to adults. Therefore, we believe that a definition of postoperative ileus with an accompanying core outcome set, developed by a multidisciplinary team, specifically for children is required.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Ladd's Procedure for Intestinal Malrotation in Infants and Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aim: To compare clinical outcomes in infants and children with intestinal malrotation who were treated by laparoscopic or open Ladd's. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library were searched for studies comparing laparoscopy with open Ladd's for intestinal volvulus through January 5, 2021. Search terms were confined to Title/Abstract: "Intestinal Volvulus" OR "Intestinal malrotation" AND "Laparoscopy" AND "Laparotomy." Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies comparing laparoscopy with open Ladd's in neonates, infants, or children were included. Outcomes evaluated included operative time, time to full feeds, length of hospital stay, rate of conversion, reoperation, overall postoperative complications, postoperative adhesive small bowel obstruction, and postoperative volvulus. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated for dichotomous variables; pooled mean differences (MDs) were measured for continuous variables. Results: Fourteen studies were included, comprising 444 patients who underwent laparoscopic approach and 1422 patients who underwent open procedure. Laparoscopy group had shorter operative time (MD = -14.44 minutes, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -20.79 to -8.09, P < .00001), hospital stay (MD = -4.57 days, 95% CI = -7.58 to -1.56, P = .003), and time to full feeds (MD = -3.00 days, 95% CI = -3.80 to -2.19, P < .00001). Laparoscopic Ladd's procedure had less overall postoperative complications (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.19-0.65, P = .0009), less postoperative adhesive small bowl obstruction (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.19-0.74, P = .005), and more postoperative volvulus (OR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.23-7.13, P = .02). There was no difference in incidence of reoperation rate (OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 0.96-4.33, P = .06). Conclusion: Laparoscopic procedure is superior to open Ladd's in operative time, hospital stay, time to full feeds, overall postoperative complication, and postoperative adhesive small bowel obstruction. However, more RCTs with adequate follow-up are needed to overcome the limitations of our study.

Diagnostic laparoscopy to exclude malrotation following inconclusive upper gastrointestinal contrast study in infants

PURPOSE

We report the use of diagnostic laparoscopy as an alternative to laparotomy in the investigation of infants with clinical features concerning for malrotation and inconclusive upper gastrointestinal contrast study.

METHOD

Case note review of all infants in whom laparoscopy was performed during 2016-2020 to investigate for possible malrotation.

RESULTS

Eight infants were identified. All presented with acute clinical features of malrotation (bilious vomit) without evidence of an alternate explanatory diagnosis. All underwent upper gastrointestinal contrast study, with three also undergoing abdominal ultrasound. The radiological examinations could not exclude malrotation and all proceeded to laparoscopy. At laparoscopy, the small intestine was run to exclude the presence of midgut volvulus. In six cases, normal rotation was confirmed and no abnormal pathology was found. Two proceeded to laparotomy and underwent correction of malrotation. All infants recovered without complication.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy is an excellent modality for further investigation of infants presenting acutely in whom intestinal malrotation cannot be formally excluded radiologically. The positive identification of the DJ flexure and cecum in correct anatomical sites, both fixed to the posterior abdominal wall, provides adequate reassurance of low risk of volvulus and avoids a full laparotomy. We recommend diagnostic laparoscopy in cases of inconclusive upper gastrointestinal contrast study.

The surgical management of malrotation: A Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgeons survey

PURPOSE

Some surgeries are now performed almost exclusively via a laparoscopic approach to enhance recovery and reduce postoperative complications. This survey explored institutional and individual physician practice patterns of the surgical management of malrotation.

METHODS

All 2015 Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgeons annual meeting attendees were invited to complete an anonymous prepiloted survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

RESULTS

The response rate was 35% (150 distributed, 52 returned). Most institutions (39.5%) saw on average 5-10 cases of malrotation per year. Most respondents (54.2%) indicated that the laparoscopic (LL) and open Ladd's (OL) procedures were equal surgical approaches for stable patients. Respondents were nearly equally divided (47.9% yes; 44.7% no) with respect to whether an LL procedure led to a higher risk of postoperative volvulus. Of those who answered yes, most indicated that an increased risk of postoperative volvulus was because of an inadequate widening of mesentery (45.8%), reduced "beneficial" postoperative adhesions (29.2%), or both (16.7%). 100% of respondents who perform an OL as their standard procedure indicated that there was a higher risk of postoperative volvulus with LL procedure. Only 1/8 who performed a LL as a standard approach routinely performed an appendectomy.

CONCLUSION

There remain polarized views on the best surgical approach to malrotation yet a persistent belief in the reduction in postoperative adhesions in leading to a postoperative volvulus with LL procedures. Collaboration to permit long-term follow-up of a large cohort may help develop guidelines for the operative management of malrotation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V.

Open versus laparoscopic approach for intestinal malrotation in infants and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Although the principles of the Ladd's procedure for intestinal malrotation in children have remained unchanged since its first description, in the era of minimally invasive surgery it is controversial whether laparoscopy is advantageous over open surgery. The aim of our study was to determine whether the surgical approach for the treatment of malrotation had an impact on patient outcome.

METHODS

Using a defined strategy (PubMed, Cochrane, Embase and Web of Science MeSH headings), two investigators independently searched for studies comparing open versus laparoscopic Ladd's procedure in children. Case reports and opinion articles were excluded. Outcome measures included age at operation, time to full enteral feeding, length of hospital stay, and post-operative complications. Maneuvers were compared using Fisher's exact test and meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3. Data are expressed as mean ± SD.

RESULTS

Of 308 abstracts screened, 49 full-text articles were analyzed and nine (all retrospective) met our search criteria. Selected articles included 1003 patients, of whom 744 (74 %) underwent open surgery and 259 (26 %) laparoscopy. Patients who had open surgery were younger (0.9 ± 1.2 years) than those who underwent laparoscopy (2.6 ± 3 years; p < 0.0001). Laparoscopy was converted to open Ladd's in 25.3 % patients. Laparoscopy was associated with faster full enteral feeding (1.5 ± 0.3 days) in comparison to open surgery (4.6 ± 0.1 days, p < 0.0001). Length of hospital stay was shorter in the laparoscopic group (5.9 ± 4.3 days) than in the open group (11.2 ± 6.7 days; p < 0.0001). Open surgery was associated with higher overall post-operative complication rate (21 %) than laparoscopy (8 %; p < 0.0001). Although there was no difference in the prevalence of post-operative bowel obstruction (open, n = 10 %; laparoscopy, n = 0 % p = 0.07), post-operative volvulus was more frequent in the laparoscopy group (3.5 %) than in the open group (1.4 %, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Comparative but non-randomized studies indicate that laparoscopic Ladd's procedure is not commonly performed in young children. Although one third of laparoscopic procedures is converted to open surgery, laparoscopy is associated with shorter time to full enteral feeds and length of hospital stay. However, laparoscopic Ladd's procedure seems to have higher incidence of post-operative volvulus. Prospective randomized studies with long follow-up are needed to confirm present outcome data and determine the safety and effectiveness of the laparoscopic approach.

[Endoscopic treatment of intestinal malrotation in newborns and infants]

AIM

To compare treatment of intestinal malrotation in newborns and infants using laparoscopy and laparotomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

For the period from January 2004 to December 2013 34 Ladd's procedures were performed. Children were divided into 2 groups by 17 patients: laparoscopic (group I) and open treatment (group II).

RESULTS

Both groups had similar demographic and other preoperative parameters. There were significant differences in duration of operation between both groups (61 vs. 70 minutes). Nutrition was initiated earlier after mini-invasive treatment (1.5 days vs. 3 days) and the time need for full enteral nutrition was also less (4.2 days vs. 6.9 days). Hospital-stay was shorter in group I (7.7 vs. 10.2 days). Number of early postoperative complications was similar in groups. Incidence of remote complications was higher in laparotomy group but the differences were not significant.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that endoscopic correction of congenital anomalies of intestinal rotation provides better postoperative results than open surgery and can be widely used in young children.

Surgery for suspected rotation abnormality: selection of open vs laparoscopic surgery using a rational approach

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopy is increasingly used for children with suspected rotation abnormalities. However, indications for open and laparoscopic approaches are not well defined. We reviewed our experience with both open and laparoscopic approaches to develop a rational approach to these patients.

METHODS

Charts of all children undergoing surgery for a suspected rotation abnormality for 10 years were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

There were 173 patients. Of 73 neonates presenting with suspected volvulus, 71 underwent initial laparotomy and 2 were converted from initial laparoscopy. Eighty percent underwent Ladd procedure, 64% had volvulus, and 2 died of midgut volvulus. Of 18 neonates presenting without suspected volvulus, 14 underwent initial laparotomy and 4 had a laparoscopic approach with 1 conversion to laparotomy. Seventy-eight percent underwent Ladd procedure, and 22% had volvulus. Of the 82 older patients, 37 underwent laparotomy and 45 had initial laparoscopy, 8 of which were converted. Sixty-seven percent underwent Ladd procedure, and 28% had volvulus. Postoperative complication rate, median time to full diet, and median hospital stay were comparable with those previously reported in the literature.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, we advocate open surgery for neonates with suspected volvulus. Laparoscopy represents an excellent alternative for older children and for neonates presenting without suspected volvulus.

Value of laparoscopy in children with a suspected rotation abnormality on imaging

BACKGROUND

Although imaging is usually used for the diagnosis of rotation abnormalities, significant false-positive and false-negative rates have been reported. We studied the utility of laparoscopy in the management of children with a suspected rotation abnormality on imaging.

METHODS

The charts of all children undergoing laparoscopy for a suspected intestinal rotation abnormality from January 2000 to August 2009 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

There were 51 patients. Preoperative diagnosis based on upper gastrointestinal contrast study with or without contrast enema or ultrasound was malrotation without volvulus in 47%, malrotation with volvulus in 10%, and nonrotation in 6%; the other 37% had equivocal or inconclusive imaging studies. Of the patients who had a "definitive" preoperative diagnosis, 41% had a discrepant finding at laparoscopy. For those with inconclusive imaging studies, 32% were found on laparoscopy to have a narrow mesenteric base, which put them at significant risk of midgut volvulus.

CONCLUSION

Imaging studies may be inaccurate in differentiating malrotation from nonrotation or normal rotation. Laparoscopy provides an excellent opportunity to assess the base of the mesentery. Those children without a narrow-based mesentery can undergo laparoscopy alone, and those with malrotation should undergo either laparoscopic or open Ladd procedure.

Heterotaxia syndromes and their abdominal manifestations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Children with heterotaxia often have abnormalities of intestinal rotation, some of which may predispose to midgut volvulus. This review summarizes the literature and proposes an individualized approach to the patient based on symptoms and findings on gastrointestinal imaging.

RECENT FINDINGS

This report reviews the types of heterotaxia syndromes and the debate surrounding the optimal management of the associated intestinal rotational abnormalities. Recent publications suggest that not all rotational abnormalities predispose to volvulus and that the natural history of rotational abnormalities in asymptomatic patients with heterotaxia is relatively benign. On the basis of these findings, an algorithm for the management of intestinal rotational abnormalities is proposed.

SUMMARY

Malrotation and midgut volvulus is a life-threatening complication. Children with heterotaxia and symptoms suggestive of a proximal intestinal obstruction require urgent investigation and surgical treatment. Asymptomatic children require close clinical follow-up and urgent investigation of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Is ultrasonography a good screening test for intestinal malrotation?

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis of malrotation can prevent fatal midgut volvulus. Abnormal orientation of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and vein (SMV) on ultrasonography (US) has been described in malrotation. We aimed to determine the accuracy of this technique.

METHODS

All children undergoing both upper gastrointestinal series (UGI) and US for possible malrotation over a 3-year period were reviewed. Patients were excluded if US did not include SMV/SMA orientation or if the duodenojejunal flexure was not visualized on UGI.

RESULTS

Of 211 eligible patients, UGI and US were both normal in 62% and both abnormal in 15%. Forty-four had abnormal US and normal UGI (false positive, 21%), and 5 patients had normal US and abnormal UGI (false negative, 2%). Of these 5, none were found to have a short mesenteric base, which put them at risk for volvulus. Among abnormal ultrasounds, inversion of SMV/SMA and a "whirlpool" sign were more predictive for malrotation and volvulus than anterior/posterior orientation.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonography is a good screening tool that effectively rules out malrotation at risk for volvulus. Children with an abnormal ultrasound should have an UGI or go to the operating room, depending on clinical findings.