Diamond-shaped anastomosis for duodenal atresia: an experience with 44 patients over 15 years.

During the period between 1974 and 1988 44 patients were treated for congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction using a diamond-shaped anastomosis (35 atresias, including two multiple atresias and nine stenoses). Neither gastrostomy nor transanastomotic tube was used. Postoperatively, oral feeding was started on days 2 to 6 (3.66 +/- 1.41 day). Intravenous fluid administration was discontinued on days 3 to 20 (7.54 +/- 3.58 day). Fourteen patients died, none related to the operative procedure. Of 30 survivors, 21 patients have been followed from 6 months to 15 years. Body weight was within the normal range at the latest visit. Current barium study performed in 19 patients showed no blind loop, megaduodenum, or anastomotic malfunction. The diamond-shaped anastomosis provides the following advantages: (1) early recovery of anastomotic function, and (2) avoidance of later complications, such as formation of a blind loop or anastomotic stenosis.