Published online Dec 26, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i36.11228
Peer-review started: June 21, 2021
First decision: September 28, 2021
Revised: September 29, 2021
Accepted: November 14, 2021
Article in press: November 14, 2021
Published online: December 26, 2021
Processing time: 185 Days and 4.1 Hours
The clinical manifestations of omphalomesenteric duct remnant (OMDR) can vary with the age at diagnosis, from asymptomatic incidental findings to symptoms related to gastrointestinal complications. The lifelong complication rates are reported as 4%-34%, and complications are more common in patients younger than 2 years of age. The authors attempted to identify different clinical features and management for the various pediatric age groups.
To find surgical perspectives for the pediatric age-related variants of OMDR and make recommendations for optimal management.
The medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with OMDR were reviewed retrospectively. Fifteen patients diagnosed based on incidental findings during other surgeries were excluded. The patients were divided into two groups based on age: < 12 mo (infants) and > 12 mo (beyond infancy). We analyzed the demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tools, surgical procedures, and clinical outcomes of the patients and compared them for the age groups. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used for nominal scales and a Mann-Whitney test was used for ratio scales.
A total of 35 patients (7 infants, 28 children beyond infancy) were finally included. In both groups, Meckel's diverticulum (MD) was the most common type of OMDR, while umbilical lesions were more common in the infant group (P = 0.006). Hematochezia and abdominal pain were common in the beyond infancy group, while umbilical lesions were the most frequent symptoms in the infant group. Several diagnostic tools were used, but Meckel's scan was most useful in diagnosing OMDR in patients with painless rectal bleeding. Minimally invasive surgery was more commonly performed for children than for infants (P = 0.016). Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) was performed for fifteen patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery. There were only three cases of postoperative complications, and all patients survived in good condition.
The clinical type of OMDR varies with age, umbilical lesions in infants, and MD beyond infancy. SILS is effective for managing children with MD regardless of age.
Core Tip: This is a retrospective study aimed at identifying surgical perspectives for variants of the omphalomesenteric duct remnant (OMDR) manifesting in different age groups. Meckel's diverticulum was the most common type of OMDR in all the subjects, while umbilical lesions were more common in the infant group. For management, minimally invasive surgery was more common beyond infancy, and single-incision laparoscopic surgery may be considered the preferred surgical procedure.