Laparoscopic appendectomy and duodenocolonic dissociation (LADD) procedure for malrotation

Abstract

The treatment of "asymptomatic" intestinal malrotation remains controversial, particularly beyond the neonatal period. Two cases illustrate the application of laparoscopy for correction of malrotation: one in an older child and another in an asymptomatic infant. Both patients recovered well and were discharged 2 days after surgery. Laparoscopic appendectomy and duodenocolonic dissociation allows excellent visualization of the duodenocolic and Ladd's bands and easily accommodates appendectomy. The availability of this minimal-access technique should encourage correction of malrotation in the asymptomatic patient.