ISSN:
1437-9813
Keywords:
Children
;
Intestinal malrotation
;
Surgical treatment
;
Volvulus
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Intestinal malrotation is most commenly complicated by volvulus in the first weeks of life. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are needed to prevent gangrene of the midgut and peritonitis. When the diagnosis of intestinal malrotation is suspected, a plain X-ray film of the abdomen must be perfomed. In 4 of 21 cases we found a low intestinal obstruction, which was complicated by a high risk of intestinal gangrene and high mortality. These X-ray findings should lead to emergency surgery. If the plain X-ray film shows the “double bubble sign” (N = 14), then intestinal malrotation and volvulus as well as duodenal atresia are possible diagnosis. As both conditions require surgery, no further examinations are necessary. With a nonspecific pattern (N = 3), a barium meal should be performed in order to classify the disease type. We recommend that operation should be performed in most cases based on the findings on the plain X-ray film and that cases with low intestinal obstruction should be operated upon as emergencies.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00179634
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