The role of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of intestinal vascular anomalies affecting two small infants

Pediatr Surg Int. 2005 Apr;21(4):301-4. doi: 10.1007/s00383-005-1374-0. Epub 2005 Mar 9.

Abstract

Two infants affected by intestinal vascular anomalies causing lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage are reported. Upper and lower gastrointestinal tract endoscopy and radionuclide scan were negative. The authors found laparoscopic exploration very useful in detecting the cause and the site of bleeding. Because the usual investigations for gastrointestinal bleeding have been proven to be time-consuming and often unreliable in small infants, the authors suggest considering laparoscopic exploration as a first-line diagnostic tool in this subset of patients. A new diagnostic algorithm for gastrointestinal bleeding in infants is proposed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / diagnosis
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intestine, Small / blood supply*
  • Intestine, Small / diagnostic imaging
  • Laparoscopy
  • Mesentery / blood supply*
  • Serous Membrane / blood supply
  • Ultrasonography