Duodenal Atresia Repair

Abstract

Laparoscopic duodenal atresia repair (duodenoduodenostomy) was initially described at the beginning of the twenty-first century; some centres abandoned the laparoscopic approach due to high anastomotic leak rates [1]. One particular centre [1] reported an anastomotic leak rate of just under 30 %, in their initial early series before abandoning the procedure for some time. After modifying their technique from interrupted to continuous suturing, they revisited the procedure in a new cohort of patients and, with this, had no complications. As a result, they have been performing and teaching the procedure ever since. Others have also reported similar results [1]. They have themselves suggested that laparoscopic duodenoduodenostomy should be restricted to paediatric centres with extensive laparoscopic experience.