Starting from scratch: The primary hyperacidity theory of the cause of pyloric stenosis of infancy

The early observations of those who first described babies with pyloric stenosis (PS) are used as a backdrop for the development of the Inherited Primary Hyperacidity theory of cause. Those early truths, uncomplicated by modern technology, have acted as a springboard for pathogenesis. Hyperacidity, male predominance, family history, self-cure, enhanced appetite, and time-sensitive presentation were all well known to the early pioneers. Any system of pathogenesis must explain all these clinical features. The Inherited Primary Hyperacidity theory does this and is a credible explanation for all the clinical features established by these early pioneers. The evidence which supports a delay in maturation of the negative feedback between gastrin and gastric acidity is presented. Such a phenomenon further supports the Primary Hyperacidity theory.

Right retrocolic intrasaccular duodenum: Is it a novel variant of isolated duodenal nonrotation? A case report

Background: Almost all of the studies on anomalies of the midgut rotation and fixation in the literature and related sections in textbooks were designed according to Dott's classification. Focusing only on common rotation anomalies has led to the exclusion and neglect of other rare variants. Isolated pure duodenal nonrotation is such a variant. Case Presentation: We report a case of an unusual form of isolated pure duodenal nonrotation, in a 3-day-old newborn presenting with bilious vomiting. Ultrasonographic examination revealed the sign of 'whirlpool'. When this finding was evaluated together with bilious vomiting, midgut volvulus was considered and the patient was operated on urgently. Peroperatively, it was observed that the jejunum entered between the leaves of the terminal ileum mesentery. Proximally, the duodenum was located posterior to the right colon in a "sack". This "sack" was surrounded by thick Ladd's bands laterally, mesentery of the ascending colon medially, the posterior surface of the cecum and ascending colon anteriorly, and by the posterior abdominal wall posteriorly. Conclusion: In isolated duodenal nonrotation, the duodenum may be completely retro-colic. Consequently, the duodenojejunal junction and the ileocecal region may almost overlap. Unlike isolated duodenal nonrotation cases, in the surgical treatment of this variant, separation of Ladd bands alone is not sufficient, additionally, the right colon should be placed in a nonrotation position and care should be taken not to kink the terminal ileum under the cecum.

Burden and outcome of neonatal surgical conditions in Nigeria: A countrywide multicenter cohort study

Background: Despite a decreasing global neonatal mortality, the rate in sub-Saharan Africa is still high. The contribution and the burden of surgical illness to this high mortality rate have not been fully ascertained. This study is performed to determine the overall and disease-specific mortality and morbidity rates following neonatal surgeries; and the pre, intra, and post-operative factors affecting these outcomes. Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study; a country-wide, multi-center observational study of neonatal surgeries in 17 tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. The participants were 304 neonates that had surgery within 28 days of life. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and the secondary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative complication rates. Results: There were 200 (65.8%) boys and 104 (34.2%) girls, aged 1-28 days (mean of 12.1 ± 10.1 days) and 99(31.6%) were preterm. Sepsis was the most frequent major postoperative complication occurring in 97(32%) neonates. Others were surgical site infection (88, 29.2%) and malnutrition (76, 25.2%). Mortality occurred in 81 (26.6%) neonates. Case-specific mortalities were: gastroschisis (14, 58.3%), esophageal atresia (13, 56.5%) and intestinal atresia (25, 37.2%). Complications significantly correlated with 30-day mortality (p <0.05). The major risk predictors of mortality were apnea (OR=10.8), severe malnutrition (OR =6.9), sepsis (OR =7. I), deep surgical site infection (OR=3.5), and re-operation (OR=2.9). Conclusion: Neonatal surgical mortality is high at 26.2%. Significant mortality risk factors include prematurity, apnea, malnutrition, and sepsis.

Neonatal intussusception secondary to intestinal duplication cyst: A case report

Background: Intussusception is a rare cause of bleeding per rectum in neonates. Duplication cyst as a pathological lead point for intussusception is rarer too. Case Presentation: A female neonate presented with bilious vomiting and bleeding per rectum. Ultrasonography diagnosed it as intussusception. Intraoperatively, on reduction of intussusception, a mass was found which on histopathological examination (HPE) revealed a duplication cyst. Conclusion: A high index of suspicion is required for an early diagnosis of neonatal intussusception, which is essential for preventing complications and mortality.

Feasibility of primary anastomosis for right-sided colonic atresia: A case report

Background: Colonic atresia (CA) is a rare cause of congenital intestinal obstruction. The management of CA is challenging because of its rarity. Case Presentation: We present a case of right-sided CA in a term male baby weighing 3006 gm, without any other comorbidity. Type 1 atresia was seen at ascending colon and upon decompression, a reasonable caliber was achieved for a primary anastomosis following distal Cheatle slit and proximal tapering. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. Conclusion: Primary anastomosis is a feasible option in right-sided CA when no major comorbidity is present and a normal distal colon with reasonable caliber is certain.