A Single Surgeon Laparoscopic Duodenoduodenostomy Case Series for Congenital Duodenal Obstruction in an Academic Setting.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic duodenoduodenostomy can be performed to repair congenital duodenal obstructions from atresia or duodenal web. There are only a few published case series in the literature. We are reporting on a single surgeon's experience with the operation and discuss the technical aspects of the operation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed using the electronic medical record identifying all patients who underwent laparoscopic duodenoduodenostomy or duodenojejunostomy at two institutions by a singular surgeon.

RESULTS: Fifteen patients were identified as having undergone laparoscopic duodenoduodenostomy from 2010 until 2017. The weight at the time of the operation ranged from 1.5 to 8.7 kg (median 2.5 kg). The age ranged from 0 days to 15 months (median 3 days). Operative time (including other procedures) ranged from 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes with a median of 2 hours 55 minutes. One case was converted to open due to poor visualization. One patient developed a stricture that required open anastomotic revision 4 weeks after the initial surgery. In 1 patient, an enterotomy in the first portion of the duodenum was created from a retraction stitch-this was immediately recognized and repaired by primary laparoscopic closure. One patient had a small anastomotic leak that was treated with antibiotics. There were no mortalities and no intraoperative blood loss requiring transfusion.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic duodenoduodenostomy is an operation that can be performed with excellent outcomes following simple steps that are easily taught in a teaching setting.