Our Summary

Intestinal cystic duplications are rare abnormalities that occur at birth and are found in about 1 in every 4,500 autopsies. They are structures that look like cysts, tubes, or pouches and are covered with the same type of lining as the gastrointestinal tract. These structures are attached to the gastrointestinal tract but usually do not connect with it. About 7-9% of these abnormalities are gastric duplication cysts.

These cysts can be identified before birth through ultrasound and other imaging techniques, which can also rule out other abnormalities. After birth, an ultrasound typically shows a cyst with a double wall. Many newborns with this condition do not have symptoms, but some may experience non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. Others may have more serious symptoms like an intestinal blockage caused by the cyst’s size, twisting of the intestines or infection.

For infants without symptoms, doctors usually recommend regular check-ups and imaging studies. The preferred treatment for these cysts is elective surgical removal, ideally using minimally invasive techniques. The research paper also discusses a case where an intestinal cystic duplication was suspected before birth.

FAQs

  1. What are intestinal cystic duplications and how often do they occur?
  2. How are intestinal cystic duplications identified and what symptoms might a newborn with this condition present?
  3. What is the preferred treatment for infants diagnosed with intestinal cystic duplications?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about intestinal resection is to follow their post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include guidelines for diet, activity levels, and medication management to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly. Following up with regular check-ups and imaging studies as recommended can also help monitor your recovery progress and prevent any potential issues from arising.

Suitable For

In this case, the baby was born prematurely and had surgery to remove the cyst shortly after birth. The surgery was successful, and the baby recovered well. In general, patients with symptomatic intestinal cystic duplications or those at risk of complications like intestinal blockage or infection are recommended for intestinal resection. This procedure involves removing the abnormal portion of the intestine to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications. Minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery, are often preferred as they result in less pain, faster recovery, and smaller scars compared to traditional open surgery.

Timeline

After the intestinal resection procedure, the patient will typically stay in the hospital for a few days to recover. They may experience some pain and discomfort, but this can be managed with pain medication. The patient will be monitored closely for any signs of infection or other complications.

After being discharged from the hospital, the patient will need to follow a special diet to allow their intestines to heal. They may also need to take medication to help with digestion or prevent infection. The patient will have follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their recovery and ensure that they are healing properly.

Over time, the patient should start to feel better and be able to resume normal activities. It may take several weeks to fully recover from the surgery, but most patients are able to return to their usual routine with time. It is important for the patient to follow their healthcare provider’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about intestinal resection for an intestinal cystic duplication may include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with intestinal resection surgery for an intestinal cystic duplication?
  2. What type of surgical approach will be used for the intestinal resection (e.g. open surgery vs. minimally invasive surgery)?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after intestinal resection surgery?
  4. Will I need to follow a specific diet or make any lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  5. How likely is it that the intestinal cystic duplication will recur after surgery?
  6. Are there any long-term effects or implications of having an intestinal cystic duplication removed?
  7. Will I need any additional follow-up care or monitoring after the surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to intestinal resection for an intestinal cystic duplication?
  9. What is the success rate of intestinal resection surgery for intestinal cystic duplications?
  10. Are there any specific warning signs or symptoms I should watch out for after the surgery that may indicate a complication?

Reference

Authors: Herranz Barbero A, Prat Ortells J, Muñoz Fernández ME, Castañón García-Alix M, Figueras Aloy J. Journal: Arch Argent Pediatr. 2017 Aug 1;115(4):e233-e236. doi: 10.5546/aap.2017.e233. PMID: 28737875