Intestinal malrotation in the adult population: Diagnosis, management, and outcomes after laparoscopic Ladd procedure

J Gastrointest Surg. 2024 Aug;28(8):1339-1343. doi: 10.1016/j.gassur.2024.05.024. Epub 2024 Jun 1.

Abstract

Background: The Ladd procedure is the treatment of choice for patients with intestinal malrotation; however, the long-term outcomes of the laparoscopic Ladd procedure are not well documented. This study aimed to review the presentation, management, and outcomes of adult patients who underwent a laparoscopic Ladd procedure.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted to identify adult patients with malrotation who underwent a laparoscopic Ladd procedure between January 1995 and June 2022 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Patient details and follow-up data were obtained from the electronic medical records. Patients were invited to participate in a structured phone interview to assess symptoms and quality of life (QoL).

Results: A total of 44 patients underwent the laparoscopic Ladd procedure. Of the 44 patients, 42 (95.5 %) were symptomatic, with 7 (16.7 %) presenting with acute symptoms. Moreover, 8 laparoscopic procedures (13.6 %) required conversion to an open procedure. The median estimated blood loss was 20 mL (IQR, 10-50), operative time was 2.3 h (IQR, 1.8-2.8), and hospital length of stay was 2 days (IQR, 2-3). Postoperative ileus was the most common complication (18.0 %). The median follow-up was 8.00 years (IQR, 2.25-13.00), with more than 90.0 % of patients having partial or complete symptom resolution. Of note, 28 patients (63.6 %) completed phone interviews. Moreover, 1 patient (2.0 %) reported a postoperative volvulus. When asked to compare their current symptoms with those preoperatively, 78.6 % of patients noted that they were significantly better. Furthermore, 85.7 % of patients reported that their QoL was significantly better after surgery. Finally, 96.4 % of patients would recommend the procedure to a friend or family member with the same condition.

Conclusion: The laparoscopic Ladd procedure is a safe and effective surgical procedure for adult patients with intestinal malrotation.

Keywords: Intestinal malrotation; Ladd bands; Ladd procedure; Laparoscopic; Minimally invasive surgery.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Loss, Surgical / statistics & numerical data
  • Conversion to Open Surgery / statistics & numerical data
  • Digestive System Abnormalities
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Volvulus* / diagnosis
  • Intestinal Volvulus* / surgery
  • Laparoscopy* / adverse effects
  • Laparoscopy* / methods
  • Length of Stay / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Operative Time
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Quality of Life*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome

Supplementary concepts

  • Volvulus Of Midgut