Eur J Pediatr Surg 2008; 18(3): 153-155
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1038647
Original Article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Preduodenal Portal Vein and Malrotation: What Causes the Obstruction?

M. Kouwenberg1 , L. Kapusta2 , F. H. J. van der Staak3 , R. S. V. M. Severijnen3
  • 1Pediatrics, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
  • 2Children's Heart Center, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
  • 3Pediatric Surgery, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Further Information

Publication History

received December 19, 2007

accepted after revision March 28, 2008

Publication Date:
21 May 2008 (online)

Abstract

Aim and Method: Preduodenal portal vein is a rare congenital abnormality, and occurs either as a single malformation, in association with other malformations or as part of “polysplenia” syndrome. Preduodenal portal vein has seldom been reported as a cause of intestinal obstruction, however corrective surgery is nearly always performed. We conducted a 25-year retrospective study in a single centre to investigate the cause of obstruction in patients with preduodenal portal vein. Furthermore, we reviewed the literature on preduodenal portal vein. Results: Over a period of 25 years, preduodenal portal vein was diagnosed in five patients. The diagnosis was made during surgery performed because of symptoms of high intestinal obstruction. All five patients had intestinal malrotation as well and, in all patients, another cause for high intestinal obstruction than preduodenal portal vein was found. Conclusion: Preduodenal portal vein is mainly asymptomatic. It is often associated with other intestinal congenital abnormalities more likely to cause high intestinal obstruction. Therefore, the (paediatric) surgeon should always be alert for another associated cause of intestinal obstruction. Because of the potential for technical problems from preduodenal portal vein during surgery, it nevertheless should be on the surgeon's mind during surgery when the patient has high intestinal obstruction.

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Dr. Frans H. J. van der Staak

Pediatric Surgery
Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre

Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10

6525 GA Nijmegen

Netherlands

Email: f.vanderstaak@kchir.umcn.nl

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