Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31200390

Eur J Pediatr Surg. 2019 Jun 14. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1692165. [Epub ahead of print]
Malrotation in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Is It Really a Problem?
Heiwegen K1, de Blaauw I1, van Ling J1, Botden SMBI1.
Author information
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
 Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has been associated with other congenital malformations, such as intestinal rotation abnormalities. However, there is no standard evaluation and treatment of intestinal rotation during initial CDH repair. This study evaluates intestinal malrotation in CDH patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
 All patients with a CDH treated in a high-volume center between 2000 and 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Demographics, gastrointestinal characteristics, surgical treatment, and abdominal outcomes (acute surgery, small bowel obstruction, and volvulus) were described.

RESULTS:
 A total of 197 CDH patients were surgically repaired. In 76 (39%) patients, a malrotation was described at initial CDH repair, in 39 (20%) patients, a normal rotation, but 82 patients (42%) had no report on intestinal rotation. During follow-up (range: 2-16 years), 12 additional malrotations were diagnosed, leading to a prevalence of at least 45% (n = 8. These were mostly diagnosed due to acute small bowel obstruction, of which three had a volvulus. Of the 12 later diagnosed malrotations, 58% required acute surgery, compared to 3% of the 76 initially diagnosed patients (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION:
 Malrotation is associated with CDH, with a prevalence of at least 45% and in 21% a normal intestinal rotation. "Missed" malrotations have a higher risk on need for acute surgery later in life.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

PMID: 31200390 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1692165