Malrotation Flashcards
What is malrotation?
Midgut rotates and fixates in an abnormal position
When does malrotation occur?
Early in development
What does malrotation make the bowel more prone to?
volvulus and compression of the duodenum by peritoneal bands
What is volvulus?
The bowel twisting around the mesentery
What is another name for the peritoneal bands?
Ladd bands
What does malrotation cause?
The bowel obstruction results in a build-up of gut contents, which results in profuse vomiting as nothing can get past the obstruction.
What colour will the vomit be in someone with malrotation and why?
The vomit is dark green as the obstruction is past the Sphincter of Oddi so the bowel contents are full of green bile
What are other possible symptoms of malrotation?
Abdominal pain and distention
Failure to pass stools or wind
Abnormal bowel sounds.
How is malrotation diagnosed?
Upper GI contrast study
How might the proximal bowel be shaped?
Like a corkscrew.
Why is a contrast study used for the diagnosis of malrotation?
It can identify the point of the obstruction (as no contrast can pass distally from this location).
What is the main management of malrotation?
Laparotomy
What is the management of malrotation if volvulus is present or there is high risk of recurrence?
Ladd’s procedure
What can malrotation be complicated by?
The development of volvulus
