Enteric duplications presenting as antenatally detected abdominal cysts: is delayed resection appropriate?

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate delayed elective resection of antenatally detected enteric duplication cysts.

Methods: A retrospective casenote study of intraabdominal cysts detected antenatally between January 1991 and January 2002 found 37 fetuses with cysts. Twelve were enteric duplications. Two were duodenal, 1 was an 85-cm tubular jejunoileal duplication, and 9 were ileocecal. Asymptomatic cysts were followed with serial ultrasound scars and resected electively over 14 months.

Results: Three neonates had small bowel obstruction demanding laparotomy: 1 of the 2 infants with duodenal duplication cysts, 1 infant with an ileocecal duplication, and the infant with the tubular duplication. One with an ileocecal duplication became symptomatic at 2 months and underwent a laparotomy. Seven had their duplications resected electively between 6 weeks and 14 months, and the other is still being followed. Four of the 7 asymptomatic duplications electively resected contained gastric mucosa.

Conclusions: Intraabdominal enteric duplication cysts are increasingly likely to be detected antenatally. The majority are likely to remain asymptomatic for several months at least, after which a resection can be planned. The prevalence of gastric mucosa suggests that they should not be left indefinitely. Laparoscopically assisted resection of ileocecal duplications is safe and effective.