Our Summary

This research paper is about a rare medical case in an 18-year-old man who had been suffering from severe stomach pain and vomiting for three years. Despite numerous tests, doctors could not initially find the cause of his symptoms. Eventually, they used a specialized technique called double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE), which allows doctors to examine the small intestine more thoroughly.

After using DBE, doctors discovered that the patient had a duplication of the jejunum - a part of the small intestine. This duplication had formed in a way that it looked similar to the stomach, complete with similar mucosal folds.

They diagnosed the patient with a jejunal tubular duplication with ectopic gastric mucosa, which is a fancy way of saying that the duplicated part of the intestine had formed a tube with a lining similar to the stomach’s. The doctors then performed surgery to remove part of the small intestine, which successfully resolved the patient’s symptoms.

The study concludes that DBE can be an effective tool for diagnosing rare digestive system disorders in adults, like intestinal duplication.

FAQs

  1. What is double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and how is it used in diagnosing digestive system disorders?
  2. What is a jejunal tubular duplication with ectopic gastric mucosa?
  3. How is intestinal duplication treated?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient who has undergone an intestinal resection is to follow a specific diet plan to help with the healing process and prevent complications. This may include avoiding foods that are difficult to digest, such as high-fiber foods, and gradually reintroducing them as tolerated. It’s also important to stay hydrated and take any prescribed medications as directed to support proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor your progress and address any concerns that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended intestinal resection are those who have conditions that affect the small or large intestine, such as:

  • Intestinal obstruction: When a blockage in the intestine prevents food and fluids from passing through.
  • Intestinal tumors: Including benign or malignant growths in the intestine.
  • Crohn’s disease: A chronic inflammatory condition that can cause damage to the intestines.
  • Ulcerative colitis: A chronic inflammatory condition that affects the colon and rectum.
  • Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of small pouches that can form in the colon.
  • Intestinal ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the intestine, which can lead to tissue damage or death.
  • Intestinal trauma: Injuries to the intestine caused by accidents or other forms of trauma.
  • Intestinal malformations: Abnormalities in the structure of the intestine, such as duplications or twists.

Timeline

Before intestinal resection:

  1. Patient experiences severe stomach pain and vomiting for three years.
  2. Numerous tests are conducted to determine the cause of symptoms.
  3. Doctors use double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) to examine the small intestine more thoroughly.
  4. Doctors discover a duplication of the jejunum with ectopic gastric mucosa.

After intestinal resection:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with jejunal tubular duplication with ectopic gastric mucosa.
  2. Surgery is performed to remove part of the small intestine.
  3. Patient’s symptoms are successfully resolved.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is intestinal resection and why is it necessary in my case?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with intestinal resection surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process after intestinal resection surgery?
  4. Will I need to make any lifestyle or dietary changes after the surgery?
  5. Are there any long-term effects or implications of having a portion of my small intestine removed?
  6. How will intestinal resection surgery affect my digestion and absorption of nutrients?
  7. Will I need any additional follow-up appointments or tests after the surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of intestinal resection?
  9. What is the success rate of intestinal resection surgery for my condition?
  10. Are there any support groups or resources available for patients who have undergone intestinal resection surgery?

Reference

Authors: Niwa Y, Tominaga K, Kawata Y, Kobayashi T, Mizuwasa T, Takahashi K, Sato H, Kohisa J, Abe S, Kamimura K, Yokoyama J, Kawai H, Sugino H, Umezu H, Hirai Y, Nakano M, Shimada Y, Kameyama H, Wakai T, Terai S. Journal: Clin J Gastroenterol. 2022 Apr;15(2):381-387. doi: 10.1007/s12328-022-01596-7. Epub 2022 Jan 22. PMID: 35064919