Malrotation in Adult and Adolescent Patients.

BACKGROUND

Malrotation in children presents with bilious emesis and can be life threatening. Data on adults is lacking.

METHODS

Single institution, retrospective 20-year data collection on adult (>18 years) and adolescent patients (12-18) with symptomatic malrotation. We evaluated demographics, surgical approach, hospital stay, time to feed, and type of surgeon with descriptive statistics to analyze each group.

RESULTS

Adult (n=17) and adolescent patients (n=8) primarily presented with acute abdominal pain (82% adult, 100% adolescent), and non-bilious emesis (0%), and had elective repair. CT scan was diagnostic for 82% adults and 71% adolescents. Overall, 88% had improvement in symptoms.

CONCLUSION

In this single institution series comparing adults and adolescent patients with malrotation, 88% have resolution of pain after repair, despite atypical presentations. CT scan is diagnostic and laparoscopic approach should be considered.