Minimally Invasive Approach to Gastrointestinal Tract Duplication Cysts in Children

Objective: Gastrointestinal tract (GIS) duplications are among rare congenital malformations that occur with an incidence of 1 in 4000-5000 live births. Treatment is surgical excision of the lesion, but resection and anostomosis may be required in case of lumen- associated cyst. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the role of minimally invasive approaches in GIS duplications. Method: This study included children who underwent surgery due to GIS duplication in our clinic between the years 2009 and 2018. Location of duplication, surgical approach, duration of surgery and complications were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Four male, and five female patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 26 months (1-71 months). Seven children underwent GIS duplication cyst excision without intestinal resection. The mean duration of surgery was 89 minutes (55 min-110 min). The mean hospital stay was five days (1-11 days). Conclusion: Minimally invasive approaches for GIS duplication in children are safe and easily applied procedures. The laparoscopic approach is an effective, and reliable minimally invasive method confirmation of the diagnosis of GIS duplication, identification of its correct localization, and its treatment.