A modern cohort of duodenal obstruction patients: Predictors of delayed transition to full enteral nutrition. J Nutr Metab. 2014;2014:850820. [PMID: 25210625 PMCID: PMC4150512 DOI: 10.1155/2014/850820]

Delayed Diagnosis of Congenital Duodenal Stenosis in a 16-Year-Old Girl

Background

Duodenal atresia or stenosis are different degrees of the same abnormality. They usually occur at the level of the ampulla of Vater and are thought to be an embryologic defect during the development of the foregut, leading to abnormal recanalization. Complete duodenal atresia is usually symptomatic in the early neonatal period, while partial obstruction (web, stenosis) may have a late presentation and a more challenging diagnosis such as in our case. Case Presentation. The patient, a 16-year-old girl, presented with abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting, and growth failure. An upper GI study with barium showed an image compatible with gastroptosis. Further diagnostic procedures confirmed a rare finding such as congenital duodenal stenosis. She underwent surgical intervention, and the recovery period was uneventful.

Conclusion

Gastroptosis is not diagnostic for a particular disease. This rare radiological finding in children may obscure uncommon diagnosis, such as congenital duodenal stenosis, which can present a diagnostic challenge beyond early childhood.

Congenital duodenal obstruction repair with and without transanastomotic tube feeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of transanastomotic tube (TAT) feeding in congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO).

DESIGN

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

PATIENTS

Infants with CDO requiring surgical repair.

INTERVENTIONS

TAT feeding following CDO repair versus no TAT feeding.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome was time to full enteral feeds. Additional outcomes included use of parenteral nutrition (PN), cost and complications from either TAT or central venous catheter. Meta-analyses were undertaken using random-effects models (mean difference (MD) and risk difference (RD)), and risk of bias was assessed using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool.

RESULTS

Twelve out of 373 articles screened met the inclusion criteria. All studies were observational and two were prospective. Nine studies, containing 469 infants, were available for meta-analysis; however, four were excluded due to serious or critical risk of bias. TAT feeding was associated with reduced time to full enteral feeds (-3.34; 95% CI -4.48 to -2.20 days), reduced duration of PN (-6.32; 95% CI -7.93 to -4.71 days) and reduction in nutrition cost of £867.36 (95% CI £304.72 to £1430.00). Other outcomes were similar between those with and without a TAT including inpatient length of stay (MD -0.97 (-5.03 to 3.09) days), mortality (RD -0.01 (-0.04 to 0.01)) and requirement for repeat surgery (RD 0.01 (-0.03 to 0.05)).

CONCLUSION

TAT feeding following CDO repair appears beneficial, without increased risk of adverse events; however, certainty of available evidence is low. Earlier enteral feeding and reduced PN use are known to decrease central venous catheter-associated risks while significantly reducing cost of care.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022328381.

Post-discharge follow-up of congenital duodenal obstruction patients: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Long-term follow-up of congenital duodenal obstruction patients often falls on care providers with little experience of this condition. We performed a systematic review of the long-term outcomes of duodenal obstruction and provide a summary of sequelae care providers should anticipate.

METHODS

In 2022, after registering with PROSPERA, Medline (Ovid), EMBASE, PSYCHINFO, CNAHL and SCOPUS databases were searched using the title keyword 'intestinal atresia'. Abstracts were filtered for inclusion if they included the duodenum. Papers of filtered abstracts were included if they reported post-discharge outcomes. Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies was used to grade the papers.

RESULTS

Of the 1068 abstracts were screened, 32 papers were reviewed. Eleven studies were included. Thirty additional papers were included after reviewing references, for a total of 41 papers. The average MINORS was 7/16.

CONCLUSION

There is good evidence that children with congenital duodenal obstruction do well in terms of survival, growth and general well-being. Associated cardiac, musculoskeletal and renal anomalies should be ruled-out. Care providers should be aware of anastomotic dysfunction, blind loop syndrome, bowel obstruction and reflux. Reflux may be asymptomatic. Laparoscopic repair does not change long-term outcomes, and associated Trisomy 21 worsens neurodevelopmental outcomes.

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.

Effect of trisomy 21 on long-term gastrointestinal outcomes in duodenal atresia

PURPOSE

We aimed to determine if Trisomy 21 (T21) affected gastrointestinal outcomes for children with duodenal atresia (DA).

METHODS

We identified children born with DA between 1991 and 2017. Cases were divided into DA with T21 and DA without T21. Ten healthy controls per case were included. Esophageal, ulcerative, obstructive and stomach complaints were assessed. Risk ratios (RR), rate ratios (RaR) and Cox models were constructed. Analyses were performed for cases versus controls, and for T21 cases versus non-T21 cases.

RESULTS

DA cases totaled 52: 22 had T21 and 30 did not. There were 520 controls. DA cases had more gastrointestinal complaints than controls. T21 cases were at greater risk and frequency of esophageal disease than non-T21 cases (RR = 4.08, p = 0.002, RaR = 69.8, p < 0.001). T21 and non-T21 cases were equally likely to present with obstruction (RR = 0.91, p = 1), but T21 cases complained of obstructive symptoms less (RaR = 0.57, p = 0.003). T21 and non-T21 cases had the same risk of stomach diseases, but T21 cases complained more frequently (RaR = 6.20, p < 0.001). Cox models supported these observations. T21 did not affect ulcerative diseases.

CONCLUSION

DA cases had more gastrointestinal problems than controls. T21 increased esophageal and gastric complaints in DA cases but did not affect ulcerative and obstructive complaints.

Factors Associated With Adverse Outcomes Following Duodenal Atresia Surgery in Neonates: A Retrospective Study

Objectives

There is limited evidence on the infants' postoperative complications who have undergone surgical repair of duodenal atresia and stenosis. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with poor surgical outcomes after the initial repair.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 82 patients who underwent surgery for duodenal atresia and stenosis between January 1994 and December 2013 at our institution. Gestational age, birth weight, fetal growth, and other associated anomalies were recorded. Multivariate regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with surgical outcomes, including postoperative complications and time to full oral intake.

Results

The median gestational age was 37.6 weeks, with 30 (37%) preterm (<37 weeks) and 11 (13%) early preterm (<34 weeks) infants. The median birth weight was 2531 g, with 27 (33%) patients < 2000 g and 10 (12%) patients < 1500 g. Postoperative surgical complications were identified in 18 (22%) cases, of which 12 (15%) required additional operations. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that a combination of very low birth weight (<1500 g) and early preterm was significantly associated with both surgical and non-surgical postoperative complications (p = 0.0028 and 0.021, respectively) and a prolonged time to full oral intake postoperatively (p = 0.013).

Conclusion

Very low birth weight and early preterm were significantly associated with postoperative complications and a prolonged time to full oral intake.

Probiotic supplementation in neonates with congenital gastrointestinal surgical conditions: a pilot randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether probiotic supplementation attenuates gut-dysbiosis in neonates with congenital gastrointestinal surgical conditions (CGISC).

METHODS

Sixty-one neonates (≥35 weeks gestation) with CGISC were randomised to receive daily supplementation with a triple-strain bifidobacterial probiotic (n = 30) or placebo (n = 31) until discharge. Stool microbiota was analysed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing on samples collected before (T1), 1 week (T2), and 2 weeks (T3) after supplementation and before discharge (T4). The primary outcome was the sum of the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic families of Clostridiaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, Pseudomonaceae, Staphylococcaeae, Streptococcaceae, and Yersiniaceae at T3.

RESULTS

The median gestational age [38 weeks (IQR: 37.1-38.9)] was similar in both groups. The probiotic group had lower rates of caesarean deliveries (40% versus 70%, p = 0.02). The relative abundance of potentially pathogenic families was lower in the probiotic group compared to placebo at T3 [(median: 50.4 (IQR: 26.6-67.6) versus 67.1 (IQR: 50.9-96.2); p = 0.04). Relative abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae was higher in the probiotic group at T3 [(median: 39.8 (IQR: 24.9-52.1) versus 0.03 (IQR 0.02-2.1); p < 0.001). Stratified analysis continued to show a higher abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae in the probiotic group, irrespective of the mode of delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

Probiotic supplementation attenuated gut dysbiosis in neonates with CGISC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

http://www.anzctr.org.au (ACTRN12617001401347).

IMPACT

Probiotic supplementation attenuates gut dysbiosis and improves stool short-chain fatty acid levels in neonates with congenital gastrointestinal surgical conditions. This is the second pilot RCT of probiotic supplementation in neonates with congenital gastrointestinal conditions. These findings will pave the way for conducting multicentre RCTs in this area.

Trans-anastomotic tube feeding in the management of congenital duodenal obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Feed intolerance is a common problem in neonates with congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO). Some surgeons insert trans-anastomotic tubes (TAT) to facilitate feed tolerance. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TATs in CDO.

METHODS

Medline, EmBase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library were searched till July 2020. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using Random Effects Model.

RESULTS

No randomized controlled trials addressing the question were identified. In the 6 included observational studies, 96 infants underwent intraoperative TAT placement and 117 did not. Four studies reported benefits of TAT such as early attainment of full feeds and decreased need for parenteral nutrition. Two studies reported better outcomes in the no-TAT group. Accidental removal of TAT without clinical harm was reported in three studies [5/37 (14%), 4/17 (23%), and 2/4 (50%)]. Overall meta-analysis found no differences between the groups on any outcome. However, sensitivity analysis after excluding two studies with high risk of bias found that TAT tubes are associated with shorter duration of PN and shorter time to full enteral feeds. GRADE of evidence was very low for all outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence is limited regarding the efficacy and safety of intraoperative TAT placement in neonates with CDO. Well-designed RCTs are needed to address the issue definitively.

Outcomes and survival of infants with congenital duodenal obstruction following Kimura procedure with post-anastomosis jejunostomy feeding tube

Background

Several modifications of the Kimura procedure for congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) have been reported, however, their effects on the outcomes show conflicting results.

Methods

We compared the CDO outcomes following the Kimura procedure with and without post-anastomosis jejunostomy feeding tube (JFT).

Results

A total of 52 CDO neonates were involved (JFT: 13 males and 2 females vs. non-JFT: 14 males and 23 females, p = 0.0019). Time to full oral feeding was significantly earlier in the JFT than non-JFT group (14 [interquartile range (IQR), 12–15] vs. 17 [IQR, 14–22.5] days; p = 0.04). Duration of parenteral nutrition given to infants with CDO after surgery was significantly shorter in the JFT than non-JFT group (12 [IQR, 10–15] vs. 17 [IQR, 13–23] days; p = 0.031). Moreover, enteral feeding was significantly earlier in the JFT than non-JFT group (2 [IQR, 1–3.5] vs. 5 [IQR, 4–6] days; p = < 0.0001). However, the length of stay following surgery was not significantly different between groups (16 [IQR, 14–22] vs. 20 [IQR, 17–28] days; p = 0.22). Also, overall patient survival did not significantly differ between JFT (66.7%) and non-JFT patients (59.5%) (p = 0.61).

Conclusion

Jejunostomy feeding tube shows a beneficial effect on the time to full oral feeding, duration of parenteral nutrition and early enteral feeding in neonates with congenital duodenal obstruction after Kimura procedure.

One-year Outcomes of Congenital Duodenal Obstruction: A Population-based Study

OBJECTIVES

Congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) occurs in 1.2 per 10,000 live births and is frequently associated with other anomalies, most commonly cardiac. The aim of this study was to report important outcomes to 1 year following surgical repair.

METHODS

This was a prospective population-based study using the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons Congenital Anomaly Surveillance System. Cases were identified at specialist pediatric surgical centres in the United Kingdom during a 12-month period starting in March 2016. Outcomes were recorded at 1 year following surgical repair.

RESULTS

There were 100 infants with possible follow-up at 1 year and follow-up was achieved in 80 of these (80%) of whom 76 were alive at 1 year. The remainder had been discharged home, although one remained on parenteral nutrition. Five (6.1%) infants underwent repeat surgery for reasons related to CDO and overall 23 (23%) experienced at least 1 central venous catheter-related complication within 1 year. Overall mortality either before repair or within 1 year following surgical repair was 8.4% (95% CI 2.5%-14.4%), no deaths were related to CDO.

CONCLUSIONS

One year outcomes for CDO are generally very good with poor outcomes typically related to comorbidities. These data are useful for national benchmarking and parental counselling.

Congenital duodenal obstruction in the UK: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) comprising duodenal atresia or stenosis is a rare congenital anomaly requiring surgical correction in early life. Identification of variation in surgical and postoperative practice in previous studies has been limited by small sample sizes. This study aimed to prospectively estimate the incidence of CDO in the UK, and report current management strategies and short-term outcomes.

DESIGN

Prospective population-based, observational study for 12 months from March 2016.

SETTING

Specialist neonatal surgical units in the UK.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence of CDO, associated anomalies and short-term outcomes.

RESULTS

In total, 110 cases were identified and data forms were returned for 103 infants giving an estimated incidence of 1.22 cases per 10 000 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.49) live births. Overall, 59% of cases were suspected antenatally and associated anomalies were seen in 69%. Operative repair was carried out mostly by duodenoduodenostomy (76%) followed by duodenojejunostomy (15%). Postoperative feeding practice varied with 42% having a trans-anastomotic tube placed and 88% receiving parenteral nutrition. Re-operation rate related to the initial procedure was 3% within 28 days. Two infants died within 28 days of operation from unrelated causes.

CONCLUSION

This population-based study of CDO has shown that the majority of infants have associated anomalies. There is variation in postoperative feeding strategies which represent opportunities to explore the effects of these on outcome and potentially standardise approach. Short-term outcomes are generally good.

Comparison of outcomes between complete and incomplete congenital duodenal obstruction

BACKGROUND

Congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) can be complete (CCDO) or incomplete (ICDO). To date there is no outcome analysis available that compares both subtypes.

AIM

To quantify and compare the association between CCDO and ICDO with outcome parameters.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent operative repair of CCDO or ICDO in our tertiary care institution between January 2004 and January 2017. The demographics, clinical presentation, preoperative diagnostics and postoperative outcomes of 50 patients were compared between CCDO (n = 27; atresia type 1-3, annular pancreas) and ICDO (n = 23; annular pancreas, web, Ladd´s bands).

RESULTS

In total, 50 patients who underwent CDO repair were enrolled and followed for a median of 5.2 and 3.9 years (CCDO and ICDO, resp.). CCDO was associated with a significantly higher prenatal ultrasonographic detection rate (88% versus 4%; CCDO vs ICDO, P < 0.01), lower gestational age at birth, lower age and weight at operation, higher rate of associated congenital heart disease (CHD), more extensive preoperative radiologic diagnostics, higher morbidity according to Clavien-Dindo classification and comprehensive complication index (all P ≤ 0.01). The subgroup analysis of patients without CHD and prematurity showed a longer time from operation to the initiation of enteral feeds in the CCDO group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

CCDO and ICDO differ with regard to prenatal detection rate, gestational age, age and weight at operation, rate of associated CHD, preoperative diagnostics and morbidity. The degree of CDO in mature patients without CHD influences the postoperative initiation of enteral feeding.

Laparoscopic versus open surgery for the repair of congenital duodenal obstructions in infants and children

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic repair of congenital duodenal obstruction (LCDO) was described more than 15 years ago. However, studies comparing outcomes of LCDO with open repair (OCDO) are rare. Standardized assessments of complications using the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) and the comprehensive complication index (CCI) are not available.

METHODS

All patients undergoing OCDO or LCDO between 2004 and 2017 were identified from the institutional database by retrospective analysis. Postoperative outcomes were assessed, including all complications using the CDC and the CCI.

RESULTS

Forty-seven consecutive patients were identified; 27 patients underwent LCDO and 20 patients had OCDO. Both groups did not differ regarding demographics, associated congenital anomalies, intraoperative pathologic findings, and operative procedures. LCDO was associated with a longer operative time [mean (SD), 202 (89) vs. 112 (41) min, P < 0.0001], shorter time to initiation of feeds [median (range), 1 (0-4) vs. 3 (1-12) days, P = 0.0027], and shorter time to full feeds [mean (SD), 8.2 (4.1) vs. 12.2 (6.4) days, P = 0.0243] compared to OCDO. Shorter length of postoperative hospital stay in LCDO group was achieved for patients without cardiac anomalies [mean (SD), 9.4 (3.1) days in LCDO group vs. 17.2 (9.4) days in OCDO, P = 0.0396] and patients without other anomalies [median (range), 12 (3-38) days in LCDO group vs. 21 (7-31) days in OCDO, P = 0.0460]. LCDO was associated with a lower CCI [median (range) 0 (0-39.7) vs. 4.3 (0-100), P = 0.0270].

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a longer operative time for LCDO, a number of advantages of LCDO over OCDO were recognized comparing both approaches in the repair of congenital duodenal obstruction. Such advantages include a lower morbidity, reduced time to initiation and completion of full enteral feeds, and shorter length of postoperative hospitalization for patients without concomitant cardiac anomalies and for patients without other anomalies when operated laparoscopic. In view of the present results, LCDO, performed in selected patients, appears to represent a viable alternative to OCDO.

Probiotic supplementation in neonates with major gastrointestinal surgical conditions: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Neonates with major gastrointestinal surgical conditions frequently suffer from prolonged feed intolerance, infections, and need multiple courses of antibiotics. All these put them at risk of gut dysbiosis. Probiotic supplementation has the potential to minimise dysbiosis and improve clinical outcomes in such infants. Hence, we aimed to conduct a systematic review of probiotics in neonates with major surgical conditions of the gut.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and other databases were searched in September 2016.

RESULTS

Two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included; the first was conducted in 24 neonates with gastroschisis, the second in eight neonates with various surgical conditions. In the first study, the overall microbial communities were not significantly different between groups, though analysis of the final specimens demonstrated higher Bifidobacteriaceae, lower Clostridiaceae, and trends toward lower Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, Staphylococcaceae, and Streptococcaceae in the probiotic group. In the second study, there were significantly more Streptcoccaceae in the faecal samples in the probiotic group and significantly more Bifidobacteriaceae in the no probiotic group (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

There is limited evidence regarding the role of probiotics in neonates with gastrointestinal surgical conditions. Adequately powered RCTs are needed to address this issue.

Small Bowel Congenital Anomalies: a Review and Update

The small intestine is a complex organ system that is vital to the life of the individual. There are a number of congenital anomalies that occur and present most commonly in infancy; however, some may not present until adulthood. Most congenital anomalies of the small intestine will present with obstructive symptoms while some may present with vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or gastrointestinal bleeding. Various radiologic procedures can aid in the diagnosis of these lesions that vary depending on the particular anomaly. Definitive therapy for these congenial anomalies is surgical, and in some cases, surgery needs to be performed urgently. The overall prognosis of congenital anomalies of the small intestine is very good and has improved with improved medical management and the advent of newer surgical modalities. The congenital anomalies of the small intestine reviewed in this article include malrotation, Meckel's diverticulum, duodenal web, duodenal atresia, jejunoileal atresia, and duplications.