Laparoscopic 'steering wheel' derotation technique for midgut volvulus in children with intestinal malrotation

Delayed Presentation of Malrotation: Case Series and Literature Review

Background

Intestinal malrotation is a congenital anomaly resulting from abnormal or incomplete rotation and fixation of the midgut during embryogenesis. It commonly presents in the neonatal period (75%) with sudden onset bilious vomiting and rarely beyond infancy (<10%).

Aim

The aim of the study was to highlight the clinical features, radiological findings, and treatment outcomes of patients with malrotation presenting beyond infancy.

Materials and Methods

Eleven consecutive cases of delayed presentation of malrotation presented over a period of 5 years (2017-2021). Data were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Out of the 11 patients, four were female and seven were male. The age of patients ranged from 14 months to 18 years. Patients beyond infancy present usually with diffuse pain abdomen compared to neonates which present with sudden onset bilious vomiting and therefore difficult to diagnose. Five patients had associated abnormalities such as intussusception or nutcracker syndrome or mesenteric cyst or jejunal stricture or mesenteric lymphadenopathy along with malrotation. Patients underwent ultrasonography, upper gastrointestinal contrast study, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen to confirm the diagnosis. All patients underwent the Ladd procedure with four requiring resection anastomosis and one requiring excision of the mesenteric cyst. Eight out of eleven patients had favorable outcomes, two develop adhesive intestinal obstruction and required re-exploration, and one had persistent complaints of hematochezia.

Conclusion

Malrotation beyond infancy is a rare diagnosis. Malrotation in older children is usually not suspected because of the wide range of symptoms. A high index of suspicion on ultrasound or computed tomography is required to demonstrate the reversal of superior mesenteric artery and superior mesenteric vein position and related conditions. Early intervention and treatment can prevent catastrophic events such as intestinal volvulus and intestinal ischemia in these patients.

Laparoscopic Duodenal-Caudal Detachment Method: Early Experience of a Novel Technique for Malrotation with Volvulus in Neonates

Purpose: A laparoscopic approach for malrotation is feasible and safe in hemodynamically stable neonates without intestinal necrosis; however, volvulus is associated with recurrence and conversion. We developed a novel approach using a laparoscopic duodenal-caudal detachment method to perform the Ladd procedure for neonates with volvulus under the limited view of laparoscopy. This study presents the results, effectiveness, and details of the method. Materials and Methods: In the laparoscopic duodenal-caudal detachment method, we first detached the adhesions around the duodenum, including the Ladd's band. After the adhesions were completely removed, the duodenum was freely drawn caudally, leading to the release of torsion. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent surgery for malrotation of the volvulus at 30 days of age between January 2014 and September 2021. Results: Seven neonates underwent the laparoscopic duodenal-caudal detachment method and 13 underwent the open Ladd procedure. The new technique was performed in all 7 patients, and there were no conversions or recurrences. The operation time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic procedure group (55 minutes versus 111 minutes; P < .01). Conclusions: Our detorsion method, involving an initial incision of the Ladd's band, is safe and effective for neonates and may lead to an improvement in the conversion rates.

A safe and effective laparoscopic Ladd's procedure technique involving the confirmation of mesenteric vascular perfusion by fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green: A case report of an infant

We herein report a 20-month-old boy who underwent laparoscopic Ladd's surgery. He showed intermittent bilious vomiting after birth and received a definitive diagnosis of intestinal malrotation. Laparoscopic Ladd's procedure was performed with four trocars. Midgut volvulus (180° counterclockwise) was resolved by retrogradely tracing the small intestine from the ileocecal region. After dividing Ladd's ligament, fluorescent navigation with indocyanine green was used. We decided where to dissect the mesenteries by confirming the vascular perfusion through clamping the tissue. Fibrous adhesions were gradually dissected, and it was confirmed that the mesenteric root was sufficiently broadening. Surgeons hesitate to dissect the mesenteric root in laparoscopic procedures compared with open procedures because of the narrow operative view and the risk of vascular injury. Laparoscopic Ladd's procedure using indocyanine green to confirm intestinal blood flow is safe and useful for the small working space in pediatric patients with intestinal malrotation and midgut volvulus.

Laparoscopic vs open Ladd's procedure for malrotation in neonates and infants: a propensity score matching analysis

Background

Laparoscopic Ladd’s procedure for malrotation in children is still a controversial approach. Although some retrospective studies have compared the outcomes of the two types of procedure with inconsistency outcomes. Currently, there are few large-scale studies on laparoscopic treatment in malrotation with neonates and infants. We did a study based on propensity score matching to compare the effects of the two kinds of approach in neonates and infants. To investigate the therapeutic effect of laparoscopy and open Ladd’s procedure by the propensity score-matching (PSM) to enhance the validity of the comparison.

Methods

A total series of 143 cases of intestinal malrotation without intestinal necrosis was included in the study during the 8 years from January 2012 to January 2020, including 68 cases of open Ladd’s procedure and 75 cases of laparoscopic Ladd’s procedure including five cases of transfer laparotomy. By a propensity score 1:1 matching, 62 patients were stratified for each group.

Results and conclusion

There was no significant difference in volvulus degree, weight and gender between the two groups (p > 0.05). Laparoscopic surgery took more time than open surgery (105.9 min vs 70.6 min, p < 0.05), but it had less hospital stay (12.4 days vs 14.6 days, p < 0.05) or less incision infection (0 vs 6, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups at the time of first defecation, blood loss, time of full feeding and reoperation (p > 0.05). The cosmetic effect of laparoscopic surgery is better than that of open surgery. Laparoscopic Ladd’s procedure is a safe approach. It can reduce the length of hospital stay and incision infection, but the operation time was extended, the other complications are similar compared with open procedure for intestinal malrotation in neonates and infants.

Surgical innovation in LMICs-The perspective from India

Surgical Innovations are central to surgical progress, and have led to exponential growth in various fields of Surgery. Surgical Innovations in Lower and Middle Income Countries are the result of creativity of frontline health workers in search of simple, safe and ethical solutions for their unique challenges. The key lies in: 'simplifying the idea/technique/device' to find patients' needs-driven low-cost innovative surgical solutions; which can be used on a wider scale to achieve health equity for underserved populations. Local surgeons understand the difficulties and nuances of various problems and can provide local-evidence-based customized solutions for their patients' health problems. We developed a Surgical Innovation Ecosystem allowing us to see difficulties as opportunities, learn from everyone and conduct research on what is 'important' rather than what is 'interesting'. Barriers to Surgical Innovations in Lower and Middle Income Countries are well known; however, a roadmap to overcome these barriers is now available. The right balance has to be found between encouraging creativity and innovation while maintaining ethical awareness and responsibility to patients. Introduction and adoption of Surgical Innovations are governed by evidence-based principles and have to undergo a rigorous and scientific evaluation. Science of Surgical Innovations has finally come of age and is getting its due recognition and the pioneering innovators are receiving the much needed appreciation and support.