Outcomes of laparoscopic and open surgical treatment of intestinal malrotation in children.

BACKGROUND

The safety of the laparoscopic treatment of intestinal malrotation remains controversial. This study compared the outcomes of laparoscopic and open surgical treatment of intestinal malrotation.

METHODS

A multicentric retrospective study included pediatric cases of intestinal malrotation operated on between 2005 and 2016.

RESULTS

This study included 227 children with a median age of 17 days (0-17.2 years), including 161 with a midgut volvulus. Forty-six(20.3%) procedures were started by laparoscopy and 181(79.7%) by laparotomy. Laparoscopy was more frequent for elective surgery (45.9%) than for emergency procedures (10.8%, p < 0.001). Conversions were significantly more frequent during emergency procedures (66.7% vs 17.9%)(p = 0.001). Considering only 61 elective surgeries, the mean hospital stay was significantly shorter after laparoscopy (5.3 days +/-5.2 vs 10.1 days +/-13, p = 0.01), the overall complication rate was comparable (15.8% vs 21.7%, p = 0.7) but post-operative volvulus was significantly more frequent after laparoscopy (13% vs 0%, p = 0.04). Outcomes of the two approaches were not significantly different after 166 emergency procedures.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy can be performed by experienced team for the treatment of selected cases of intestinal malrotation. Conversion to open surgery should be done with a low threshold, as the rate of volvulus recurrence is concerning.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.