Innovative Endoscopic Management of a Duodenal Web Using Balloon Dilatation and a Gastrojejunal Tube in an Infant with Complex Esophageal Atresia

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital partial duodenal obstruction (CPDO) is a rare type of intestinal obstruction, including webs and stenoses. Treatment has usually been operative by laparoscopy or laparotomy. Some have proposed endoscopic treatment due to a higher surgical risk in patients with CPDO. However, restenosis seems to be frequent after simple balloon dilatation. Material and Methods: We report on a patient with CPDO and complex esophageal atresia in whom we used a gastrojejunal tube to keep the lumen open after endoscopic balloon dilatation over a guidewire. Results: Follow-up endoscopy showed no evidence of restenosis. During the third endoscopy, the opening could be dilated to 15 mm without any complications and the gastrojejunal tube was removed. Since then, there were no clinical signs of obstruction, and no further endoscopic intervention was necessary. Discussion and Conclusion: Using a gastrojejunal tube after endoscopic balloon dilatation of a duodenal web may lower the risk of restenosis. This technique should be considered in patients with comorbidities and considerable surgical risk that have a gastrostomy in place.