Malrotation in Adult and Adolescent Patients

J Gastrointest Surg. 2023 Nov;27(11):2557-2559. doi: 10.1007/s11605-023-05718-5. Epub 2023 May 31.

Abstract

Background: Malrotation in children presents with bilious emesis and can be life threatening. Data on adults is lacking.

Methods: Single institution, retrospective 20-year data collection on adult (>18 years) and adolescent patients (12-18) with symptomatic malrotation. We evaluated demographics, surgical approach, hospital stay, time to feed, and type of surgeon with descriptive statistics to analyze each group.

Results: Adult (n=17) and adolescent patients (n=8) primarily presented with acute abdominal pain (82% adult, 100% adolescent), and non-bilious emesis (0%), and had elective repair. CT scan was diagnostic for 82% adults and 71% adolescents. Overall, 88% had improvement in symptoms.

Conclusion: In this single institution series comparing adults and adolescent patients with malrotation, 88% have resolution of pain after repair, despite atypical presentations. CT scan is diagnostic and laparoscopic approach should be considered.

Keywords: Adult; Laparoscopic; Malrotation.

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen, Acute*
  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Volvulus* / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Volvulus* / surgery
  • Length of Stay
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Vomiting / etiology