Our Summary

This research paper discusses a rare case where a part of the digestive system is duplicated. Usually, this condition is found in infants under two years old and is rarely diagnosed in adults. It can happen in any part of the digestive system, but it’s most often found in the ileum (a part of the small intestine) and least often in the rectum.

This duplication might happen due to issues during fetal development. For instance, it might occur if the organs inside the fetus don’t form properly in the sixth week of pregnancy, or if part of the yolk sac (which provides nourishment to the early embryo) sticks to the outer layer of the embryo. Other factors like injury or lack of oxygen could also contribute to this condition.

The best treatment is usually to remove the duplicated part, but care must be taken to protect the original organ, which often shares a blood supply with the duplicate.

The scientists present a case study of a 70-year-old man who had a blockage in his bowel due to the duplication of his sigmoid colon (the last part of the large intestine leading to the rectum). After some tests, the doctors used a robot-assisted surgical procedure to remove the duplicated part of his colon. This case shows that duplication of the digestive tract should be considered when diagnosing bowel blockages in older adults.

FAQs

  1. What is alimentary tract duplication and how common is it?
  2. What are some of the proposed causes of alimentary tract duplications?
  3. What is the preferred treatment approach for alimentary tract duplications?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sigmoidectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and recovery. This may include taking prescribed medications, following a specific diet, and avoiding strenuous activities. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor progress and address any concerns. Remember to communicate openly with your doctor about any symptoms or changes in your condition to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended sigmoidectomy are those with colonic duplications causing bowel obstruction, as in the case of the elderly patient described in the study. Other indications for sigmoidectomy may include colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or severe diverticular disease. Patients who have not responded to conservative treatment or have complications such as perforation, abscess formation, or fistulas may also be candidates for sigmoidectomy. Additionally, patients with severe recurrent diverticulitis, chronic constipation, or colorectal polyps may be recommended for sigmoidectomy as a preventive measure.

Timeline

Before sigmoidectomy:

  1. Patient experiences non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms.
  2. Patient may undergo diagnostic tests such as imaging studies to determine the cause of symptoms.
  3. Diagnosis of sigmoid duplication is made based on imaging findings.
  4. Preoperative assessments are conducted to evaluate the patient’s overall health and suitability for surgery.

After sigmoidectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes robotic sigmoidectomy to remove the duplicated segment of the sigmoid colon.
  2. Surgery is successful in resolving the bowel obstruction caused by the duplication.
  3. Patient undergoes postoperative care and monitoring in the hospital.
  4. Patient is discharged home once they have recovered sufficiently from the surgery.
  5. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s recovery and overall health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a sigmoidectomy and why is it being recommended for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a sigmoidectomy?
  3. What is the recovery process like after a sigmoidectomy?
  4. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  5. Will I need to make any changes to my diet or lifestyle after the sigmoidectomy?
  6. Are there any long-term effects or concerns I should be aware of?
  7. How will the sigmoidectomy affect my bowel function?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of a sigmoidectomy?
  9. What is the success rate of sigmoidectomy for treating my condition?
  10. Are there any specific follow-up appointments or tests that I will need after the sigmoidectomy?

Reference

Authors: Ward GH, Sireci A, Wilder W, Soto A, Sanchez R, Dash A, Shemesh E. Journal: Cureus. 2023 Aug 27;15(8):e44208. doi: 10.7759/cureus.44208. eCollection 2023 Aug. PMID: 37767241