Malrotation: Management of Disorders of Gut Rotation for the General Surgeon

Abstract

In this article, we aim to provide the general surgeon with a clinical blueprint to navigate disorders of gut rotation. We emphasize that bilious emesis in a newborn is malrotation with volvulus until proven otherwise. Although an upper GI series can establish the diagnosis, surgical intervention should not be delayed until the child is ill-appearing. Following detorsion, the key steps are to broaden the mesentery, fully Kocherize the duodenum, and mobilize the cecum. If nonviable bowel is encountered, the principles of damage control can be applied to children. Every effort should be made to preserve bowel length.

Keywords: Intestinal rotational abnormality; Ladd procedure; Malrotation; Midgut volvulus.