Laparoscopy in the Management of Colonic Duplication

Abstract

Introduction:

Colonic duplication is a rare form of intestinal duplication usually diagnosed during childhood. Although frequently asymptomatic, duplications are usually resected to prevent the risk of obstruction, bleeding, perforation, and malignancy. We describe four consecutive cases of colonic duplication that were managed using laparoscopy.

Method:

Charts of all patients undergoing resection for colonic duplication between 1995 and 2000 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results:

Four children were identified. Age at operation ranged from 4 months to 6 years (median, 3.5 years). Location was cecum (2), transverse colon (1), and splenic flexure (1). The duplication was successfully identified laparoscopically in all cases. Two of the duplications were resected using an entirely laparoscopic approach, and the procedure was laparoscopic-assisted using a very small incision in the other two cases. Median operative time was 100 minutes and there were no intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, two children received intravenous morphine overnight, one received acetaminophen and codeine, and the fourth patient received acetaminophen alone. Median postoperative stay was 1.5 days. No patient experienced any postoperative complications.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopy is an excellent approach to the management of colonic duplication, and is associated with a short hospital stay, minimal analgesic requirements, and an excellent cosmetic result.