Duodenal Atresia Repair Using a Miniature Stapler Compared to Laparoscopic Hand-Sewn and Open Technique

Duodenal Atresia in Finland from 2004 to 2017: Prevalence, Mortality, and Associated Anomalies-A Population-Based Study

INTRODUCTION

 Duodenal atresia (DA) is the most common atresia of the small bowel. This study aims to assess the prevalence, mortality, and associated anomalies related to DA in Finland from 2004 to 2017.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

 A nationwide study based on registers maintained by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and Statistics Finland containing data on all live births and stillbirths and terminations of pregnancy. The cases were identified based on the ICD-9 and 10 (International Classification of Diseases revisions 9 and 10) codes. Associated anomalies were classified based on the EUROCAT criteria; minor anomalies were excluded.

RESULTS

 There were 249 DA cases including 222 (89.2%) live births, 16 (6.4%) stillbirths, and 11 (4.4%) terminations. There was no significant change in the prevalence rates between 2004 and 2017. Live birth prevalence was 2.75/10,000 and total prevalence was 3.08/10,000 births. A total of 100 (40.2%) cases were isolated, 67 (26.9%) had other multiple congenital anomalies, and 83 (33.3%) were syndromic. There were no terminations in isolated DA. Most associated anomalies were cardiac (36.1%), followed by other gastrointestinal tract anomalies (23.7%) and limb deformities/defects (7.2%). Trisomy 21 was observed in 63 cases (25.3%). Neonatal mortality was 3.6% (n = 8) and at 1 year 95.0% were alive. Both neonatal and infant mortalities were associated with cardiac anomalies (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). All neonatal deaths had associated cardiac defect(s).

CONCLUSIONS

 The prevalence of DA in Finland remains stable and among the highest reported. DA is often associated with cardiac anomalies, which portend a high risk for mortality. Despite the burden of associated anomalies, overall survival is high.

Laparoscopic Versus Conventional Open Congenital Duodenal Obstruction Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery (LS) compared to open surgery (OS) for congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO).

METHODS

We conducted a literature review to find studies comparing LS and OS in neonates with CDO. A meta-analysis was conducted to systematically compile and compare factors, including surgical duration, time of feeding initiation, hospital length of stay (LOS), and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Eleven studies with 1615 patients (LS: 338, OS: 1277) met inclusion criteria. Operative time was observed to be much shorter in the OS group (I2 = 97%); weighted mean difference (WMD) 60.29; 95% confidence interval (CI): 30.29 to 90.28; p < 0.0001). The LS group had a significantly shorter time to initiate feeding (I2 = 0%; WMD -3.38, 95% CI: -4.35 to -2.41; p < 0.00001), shorter time to full feeding (I2 = 0%; WMD -3.64, 95% CI: -5.06 to -2.22; p < 0.00001), and shorter LOS (I2 = 52%; WMD -3.42, 95% CI: -5.75 to -1.08; p = 0.004). There were no significantly differences in the rates of anastomotic leak (I2 = 24%; OR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.12 to 4.67; p = 0.76), anastomotic stricture (I2 = 0%; OR 1.12, 95% CI: 0.39 to 3.20; p = 0.83), postoperative ileus (I2 = 0%; OR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.21 to 1.74; p = 0.34), and overall complications between the groups (I2 = 59%; OR 0.86, 95% CI: 0.42 to 1.74; p = 0.68). The LS group, however, had a significantly decreased frequency of wound infection (I2 = 0%; OR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.82; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Despite certain limitations in our analysis, the laparoscopic approach was associated with comparable postoperative outcomes.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

2a.

TYPE OF THE STUDY

Meta analysis.

Laparoscopic repair of duodenal atresia: systematic review and meta-analysis after consistent implementation of the technique in the past decade

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic repair of duodenal atresia (LRDA) remains a technically challenging procedure and its benefits ambiguous. To assess the safety and efficacy of LRDA, we performed a systematic review of techniques and material for LRDA and a meta-analysis comparing outcomes with open repair (OR).

METHODS

Comprehensive search of EMBASSE, PubMed and Cochrane was performed from 2000 to 2023. Studies comparing LRDA with OR were identified and outcomes extracted included operative time, time to enteral feeds, length of hospitalisation, anastomotic leaks and stricture and total complications. χ2 was used to assess associations between complications and conversions rates of different LRDA approaches (laparoscopic technique, suturing technique). Comprehensive meta-analysis was used for Meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were identified and 1731 patients were enrolled in the study (398 [LRDA] and 1325 [OR]). Total rate of complications and conversion for LRDA was 15.58% and 18.84%, respectively. Complication rates were not significantly affected by operative technique and suturing technique. Conversion rates were not significantly affected operative technique; using a combination of interrupted and running suturing was significantly higher than using running or interrupted (χ2 = 7.45, p < 0.05). Anastomotic leaks, strictures and total complications were equivocal between LRDA and OR (OR 1.672, 95% CI 0.796-3.514; OR 2.010, 95% CI 0.758-5.333; OR 1.172, 95% CI 0.195-7.03). Operative time was significantly greater for LRDA (SDM 1.035, 95% CI 0.574-1.495, p < 0.001). Time to initial and full enteral feeds and length of hospitalisation were shorter in the LRDA group (SDM - 0.493, 95% CI - 2.166 to 1.752, p = 0.466; SDM - 0.207, 95% CI - 1.807 to 0.822, p = 0.019; SDM - 0.111, 95% CI - 1.101 to 0.880, p = 0.466, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

LRDA showed equivalent complication rates compared to OR with an additional benefit of quicker establishment of feeds. There was no significant difference in complication and conversion rates between laparoscopic techniques. Despite a longer operative time, LRDA provides a safe minimal access approach for neonates after this consistent implementation of the technique in the past decade.

Clinical application of endoscopic diaphragmotomy and dilation in a congenital duodenal diaphragm

Background

A congenital duodenal diaphragm (CDD) is a rare cause of duodenal obstruction in infants and children. The traditional approach to treatment has been surgical intervention either with excision and duodenoplasty or with bypass through a duodenoduodenostomy, which is invasive and carries the risk of anastomotic leakage.

Aims

To summarize the key points of differential diagnosis and treatment of a CDD under gastroscopy and to evaluate its efficacy and safety.

Methods

The clinical data of patients with a duodenal obstruction diagnosed and treated by gastroscopy in our hospital between January 2019 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The gastroscopic features of the CDD were summarized. The clinical outcomes of patients with CDD treated by gastroscopy were collected and investigated.

Results

A total of 13 children with a duodenal obstruction underwent a gastroscopic examination and/or treatment, and of these, 10 were diagnosed as having a CDD and 3 were finally diagnosed as having an annular pancreas. A dome-shaped structure during inspiration (9/10) and a guidewire that could be inserted through the opening into the distal lumen (6/10) were the gastroscopic features of the CDD, while the annular pancreas had none of these features. The 10 patients, 4 men and 6 women with the CDD, were treated through endoscopic diaphragmotomy and dilation. The age and weight at operation was 15 days to 7 years (M: 2.25 years) and 2.85-22 kg (M: 13.6 kg), respectively. A total of 11 endoscopic operations were performed in the 10 patients. The time of single operation was 15-55 min (M: 38 min). The patients did not experience complications such as bleeding, pneumoperitoneum, and duodenal papilla injury during the operation. Feeding was started 12-24 h after surgery, and the patients were discharged 2-10 days (M: 7 days) postoperatively. The patients were followed up for 3-36 months (M: 17 months), and none of them had a recurrence of vomiting. However, three showed a recurrence of stenosis in upper gastrointestinal imaging, one of whom underwent a partial diaphragm resection again 2 months after the primary treatment.

Conclusions

A CDD can be confirmed by endoscopy based on its characteristic features. Endoscopic diaphragmotomy and balloon dilation are safe and effective, which can be a new option for minimally invasive treatment of a CDD.

Duodenal Atresia Repair: A Single-Center Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

The use of laparoscopy in the repair of duodenal atresia has been increasing. However, there is no consensus regarding which surgical approach has better outcomes. We aimed to compare the different surgical approaches and types of anastomoses for duodenal atresia repair.

METHODS

Patients who underwent duodenal atresia repair at a single pediatric center were identified between January 2006 and June 2022. Those with concomitant gastrointestinal anomalies or who required other simultaneous operations were excluded. The primary outcome was rate of complications, defined as rate of leak, stricture, and re-operation by surgical approach and technique of anastomosis.

RESULTS

A total of 78 patients were included. The majority were female (51.3%, n = 40), with a median age of 4 days (IQR 3.0,8.0) and a median weight of 2.7 kg (IQR 2.2,3.3) at repair. The re-operation rate was 7.7% (n = 6), of which two were anastomotic leaks, and four were anastomotic strictures. The leak rate was 5.6% (n = 1/18) for the open handsewn and 4.8% (n = 1/21) for the laparoscopic handsewn technique. The stricture rate was 12.5% (n = 1/8) for the laparoscopic-assisted handsewn, 9.1% (n = 2/22) for the laparoscopic U-clip, 4.8% (n = 1/21) for the laparoscopic handsewn, and none with laparoscopic stapled and laparoscopic converted to open handsewn techniques. No differences were found in complication rate when controlling for surgical approach.

CONCLUSION

The method of surgical approach did not affect the outcomes or complications in the repair of duodenal atresia.

Congenital Duodenal Obstruction: National Trends in Management and Outcomes during the Last Quarter of a Century in Norway

INTRODUCTION

 During the last quarter of a century, new surgical techniques in neonates have been introduced, and neonatal intensive care has developed. Few studies have explored the implementation of new techniques and if outcomes in neonates undergoing gastrointestinal surgery have improved in the last decades. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate possible changes in postoperative outcomes and surgical techniques in all neonates operated for congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) 1995 to 2020 in Norway.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

 This is a national multicenter retrospective study of all neonates undergoing surgery for CDO in Norway from 1995 to 2020. Results from three periods (1995-2003, 2004-2012, and 2013-2020) were compared. The study was approved by the local data protection officers (2020/13386) and (2020/15125).

RESULTS

 We included 186 patients: 41 in period 1 (1995-2003), 83 in period 2 (2004-2012), and 62 in period 3 (2013-2020). Seventy (38%) neonates had Down syndrome and 104 (62%) had additional malformations/disorders. Birth weight, gender, frequency of Down syndrome, and other malformations/disorders did not differ between the three periods. We observed an increased rate of prenatal diagnosis throughout the study period (p < 0.001). The only change in surgical technique was the increased use of transanastomotic feeding tubes (p < 0.001). Length of stay, postoperative complication rate, days with parenteral nutrition, and 30-day mortality rate were stable over time.

CONCLUSION

 Perioperative treatment and postoperative outcomes in neonates with CDO have been surprisingly unchanged during the last quarter of a century. Only an increased rate of prenatal diagnosis and more frequent use of transanastomotic feeding tubes were observed.

Cardiac anomalies in children with congenital duodenal obstruction: a systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Cardiac anomalies occur frequently in patients with congenital duodenal obstruction (DO). However, the exact occurrence and the type of associated anomalies remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to aggregate the available literatures on cardiac anomalies in patients with DO.

METHODS

In July 2022, a search was performed in PubMed and Embase.com. Studies describing cardiac anomalies in patients with congenital DO were considered eligible. Primary outcome was the pooled percentage of cardiac anomalies in patients with DO. Secondary outcomes were the pooled percentages of the types of cardiac anomalies, type of DO, and trisomy 21. A meta-analysis was performed to pool the reported data.

RESULTS

In total, 99 publications met our eligibility data, representing 6725 patients. The pooled percentage of cardiac anomalies was 29% (95% CI 0.26-0.32). The most common cardiac anomalies were persistent foramen ovale 35% (95% CI 0.20-0.54), ventricular septal defect 33% (95% CI 0.24-0.43), and atrial septal defect 33% (95% CI 0.26-0.41). The most prevalent type of obstruction was type 3 (complete atresias), with a pooled percentage of 54% (95% CI 0.48-0.60). The pooled percentage of Trisomy 21 in patients with DO was 28% (95% CI 0.26-0.31).

CONCLUSION

This review shows cardiac anomalies are found in one-third of the patients with DO regardless of the presence of trisomy 21. Therefore, we recommend that patients with DO should receive preoperative cardiac screening.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Laparoscopic versus open repair of congenital duodenal obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic versus open repair of congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (CDO).

METHODS

A literature search was conducted to identify studies that compared laparoscopic surgery (LS) and open surgery (OS) for neonates with CDO. Meta-analysis was used to pool and compare variables such as operative time, time to feeding, length of hospital stay, anastomotic leak or stricture, postoperative ileus, wound infection, and overall postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Among the 1348 neonatal participants with CDO in the ten studies, 304 received LS and 1044 received OS. When compared to the OS approach, the LS approach resulted in shorter hospital stays, faster time to initial and full feeding, longer operative time, and less wound infection. However, no significant difference in secondary outcomes such as anastomotic leak or stricture, postoperative ileus, and overall postoperative complications was found between LS and OS.

CONCLUSIONS

LS is a safe, feasible and effective surgical procedure for neonatal CDO when compared to OS. Compared with OS, LS has a faster time to feeding, a shorter hospital stay, and less wound infection. Furthermore, in terms of anastomotic leak or stricture, postoperative ileus, and overall postoperative complications, LS is equivalent to OS. We conclude that LS should be considered an acceptable option for CDO.

Multicenter Comparison of Laparoscopic Versus Open Repair of Duodenal Atresia in Neonates

Introduction: Traditional duodenal atresia (DA) repair involves a laparotomy. There have been reports of laparoscopic repair (LAP), in lieu of the open laparotomy approach (OPN), with varying degrees of success. The merit of this alternative warrants continued investigation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there were outcome differences after neonatal DA repair based on surgical approach. Methods: IRB approved retrospective review of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database (2012-2018) was conducted. International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 (751.1) and ICD-10 codes (Q41.0) identified DA repair. Patient demographics, perioperative, and postoperative variables were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models assessed associations between surgical approach and outcomes. Results: A total of 917 cases were identified, 803 (87.6%) OPN, 75 (8.2%) LAP, and 39 (4.2%) LAP to OPN. Median age at surgery was 2 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 1-3). Females represented 56% of the LAP (n = 42), and 51% of the OPN (n = 412, P = .470). The LAP group had higher weight at surgery (2.8 kg, IQR = 2.3-3.1), compared with the OPN (2.6 kg, IQR = 2.1-2.9, P = .009); and longer operative time (161 minutes, IQR = 107-206; OPN 106 minutes, IQR = 85-135, P < .001). In unadjusted models, median postoperative stay was 4 days shorter (95% confidence interval = -7.5 to -0.5) among LAP compared with OPN. Adjusted models for postoperative stay, complication risks, and unplanned reoperation were not statistically different. Conclusion: Most DA repairs are performed through OPN. LAP resulted in shorter length of stay in unadjusted models. Similar incidence of complications and reoperation suggest that LAP may be as safe as OPN, when employed by skilled experienced pediatric surgeons.

Stapled versus hand-sewn intestinal anastomosis in pediatric patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The safety and feasibility of stapled intestinal anastomosis have been widely reported in adults. However, the efficacy of stapled anastomosis (SA) in children is unclear. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of SA compared with hand-sewn anastomosis (HA) in pediatric patients.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases. Studies comparing outcomes of children aged < 7 years and subgroups of children aged < 1 year who underwent SA or HA were included. Primary outcomes were anastomotic leakage and anastomotic stricture. Mean differences (MDs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for continuous variables. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % CIs were calculated for dichotomous variables. Interstudy heterogeneity was assessed using the chi-squared test and was quantified using the I^² statistic.

Results

One randomized control trial and five retrospective cohort studies, comprising 633 cases (229 SA cases and 404 HA cases), were included. No significant differences were observed in anastomotic leakage (6.5 % vs. 7.4 %; OR, 0.93; 95 % CI, 0.37–2.34; p = 0.88), anastomotic stricture (4.1 % vs. 9.3 %; OR, 0.54; 95 % CI, 0.19–1.51; p = 0.24), ileus (7.1 % vs. 9.3 %, OR, 2.35; 95 % CI, 0.15–37.51; p = 0.54), anastomosis-related complications (9.5 % vs. 10.9 %, OR, 0.98; 95 % CI, 0.52–1.86; p = 0.96; I² = 39 %), and time until full-feeding (MD = -3.57 days; 95 % CI, -11.36 to 4.23; p = 0.37) between SA and HA. Operative time was significantly shorter in SA than in HA in children aged < 1 year (MD = -20.36 min; 95 % CI, -26.13 to -14.59).

Conclusions

SA required shorter operative time and was comparable to HA in the overall complication rate. Although the evidence was insufficient, SA could be an option for intestinal anastomosis in children.

Laparoscopic Management of Congenital Intestinal Obstruction: Duodenal Atresia and Small Bowel Atresia

Background: Congenital intestinal obstruction occurs in ∼1:2000 live births. Congenital duodenal atresia and duodenal stenosis are frequent causes of intestinal obstruction and occur in 1 per 5000-10,000 live births. Today, duodeno-duodeno anastomosis is still the treatment of choice, and it can be performed safely by minimally invasive surgery, although duodenojejunal anastomosis is surgically simpler and has equal results. Jejunum-ileal atresia or stenosis is a major cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction; its prevalence is 1:330-1:1500 live births. Nowadays, the ability of laparoscopic assisted identification of the atresia and repair by only exteriorization of the small bowel through the umbilicus makes this technique safe and feasible in almost every new born. Methods: This article will describe the operative technique of laparoscopic management of congenital duodenal and small bowel obstruction. Results: For congenital duodenal atresia patients, mortality rate is less than 5% and the majority are secondary to associated comorbidities. There is a low rate of anastomotic leaks, anastomotic stricture, delayed gastric emptying, and bacterial overgrowth. For small bowel atresia patients, complications include anastomotic leak, adhesions, small bowel obstruction, and short bowel syndrome in less than 5% of the patients. The rate of re-operations due to small bowel obstruction in laparoscopic assisted repair patients is less compared with laparotomy patients. Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgery for duodenal and small bowel atresia is safe and feasible and reduces the complications of open surgical procedures.

[Multiple-center study of laparoscopic and open treatment of duodenal atresia]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize data of a multiple-center study of the treatment of duodenal atresia in 3 children's hospitals of the Siberian Federal District.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed postoperative outcomes in 211 patients with duodenal atresia. All patients underwent surgery at various hospitals of the Siberian Federal District: Ivano-Matreninsky Children's Clinical Hospital in Irkutsk (expert hospital) - 120 patients; Center for Maternal and Child Welfare in Krasnoyarsk (learning hospital No. 1) - 51 patients; Kemerovo Regional Children's Clinical Hospital (learning hospital No. 2) - 40 patients. The study has been carried out for 15 years (from January 2005 and to December 2019). Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: group I - 88 patients (laparoscopic formation of duodenal anastomosis); group II - 123 patients (surgery via laparotomy). Demographic data, intra- and postoperative parameters and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

Preoperative parameters were similar in both groups. Significant between-group differences were found for surgery time (70 vs. 90 min; p<0.001). Initiation of feeding and complete enteral nutrition occurred significantly earlier after laparoscopy (3 vs. 7 days, p<0.001 and 8 vs. 12 days, p<0.001). Incidence of anastomotic leakage significantly differed in both groups (1 patient after laparoscopy and 9 patients after laparotomy, p=0.038). Mortality was absent in the laparoscopy group. In the laparotomy group, this value was 4.9% (p=0.036) and caused by concomitant conditions (prematurity, sepsis, heart defects). Late postoperative complications (adhesive intestinal obstruction, ventral hernias) were absent after laparoscopy and occurred in 5.7% of patients after laparotomy (p=0.023).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic correction of duodenal atresia can be safely performed by experienced endoscopic surgeons from different centers united by the same ideology of endoscopic surgery. Laparoscopy ensures less duration of surgery, faster postoperative recovery, less mortality, incidence of early and late postoperative complications.