[Small bowel obstruction by a congenital band in 16 adults]

Abstract

During embryogenesis, abnormal adhesion of the peritoneal folds induces a congenital band which can cause small bowel obstruction.

Patients and methods: From 1987 to 2001, 16 adult patients underwent surgery for small bowel obstruction due to a congenital band. There were 8 men and 8 women with a mean age of 59 years (range 23-90). None presented previous abdominal surgery.

Results: Six patients presented acute abdominal pain the month before hospitalization. Among the 16 patients, 9 were operated at admission, and 7 after initial surveillance. Suspected diagnosis before operation was small bowel obstruction in 8 cases (with a diagnosis of congenital band in 3); perforated duodenal ulcer (n = 2); appendicitis (n = 2); mesenteric infarction (n = 1); diverticultis (n = 1); cholecystitis (n = 1); and strangulated hernia (n = 1). During operation performed through laparotomy or laparoscopy, a congenital band was noted in 100% of the cases, associated with intestinal necrosis in 5. One patient died postoperatively.

Conclusion: Because small bowel obstruction by congenital band is a rare condition, it represents a frequent problem of diagnosis. In this situation, the possibility of intestinal necrosis expose the patient to a possible fatal outcome.