Diamond-Shaped Anastomosis for Congenital Duodenal Obstruction

A retrocolic side-to-side duodenojejunostomy has been a generally accepted standard operative procedure for the correction of congenital duodenal atresia and stenosis. However, this operation has the complication of delayed anastomotic function that often requires a use of transanastomotic feeding tube or intravenous hyperalimentation. A diamond-shaped side-to-side duodenoduodenal anastomosis has been performed in nine consecutive cases of congenital duodenal obstruction, with satisfactory results. A transverse incision is made in the dilated proximal duodenum, and a longitudinal incision in the duodenum distal to the obstruction. The stoma is fashioned by approximating the end of each incision to the appropriate midportion of the other incision. Transanastomotic feeding tubes were not used and oral feedings were easily tolerated. This technique offers the theoretical advantage of providing a more physiological gastrointestinal pathway.