Abstract
Duplications of the alimentary tract are a rare pathology in childhood. They can occur any where in the alimentary tract from the mouth to the anus. They can be tubular or cystic, communicating or non-communicating. Their treatment is surgical since they can be the source of complications (hemorrhage, perforation, etc.). This treatment can be accomplished through video surgery.
Multiple duplications of the alimentary tract are exceptional. They can be above or under the diaphragm, intra-peritoneal or intra- and retro-peritoneal.
In this study we report one infant, 18 months old, who presented with a tubular duplication of the small bowel associated with a cystic duplication of the esophagus, both treated by video surgery.
The small bowel duplication was revealed by a digestive hemorrhage evoking a Meckel's diverticulum. The patient was operated on using a laparoscopic technique. Three trocars of 3.5 mm were used. The duplication was expressed through the umbilical incision, and a resection-anastomosis was done. The histologic study of the malformation showed a tubular duplication with an ulcerated gastric mucosa.
The radiological study (chest X-ray and CT-scan) showed two cysts on the lining of the esophagus. The patient underwent thoracoscopy 1 month later. Three trocars of 3.5 mm were used. A complete resection of the two duplications of the esophagus was performed. The histologic study confirmed our diagnosis. No complications occurred pre or postoperatively. The follow-up took place approximately 12 months later.
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