Intestinal Duplication

Intestinal duplication is a condition where a duplicate part of the gastrointestinal tract is present. This disorder is caused by a defect during fetal development in either the small or large intestine. The duplication can range from a small pouch along the intestine to a complete duplication of the bowel itself. It is often associated with abdominal wall defects and limb deformities. As this condition is rare, diagnosis and treatment can be difficult. The main symptom of intestinal duplication is abdominal distension. Other complications include obstruction and infection in the duplicated bowel, malnutrition due to malabsorption and volvulus (twisting of the intestine). Treatment for intestinal duplication is specific for each individual case and may include endoscopic removal, surgical resection and/or anastomosis (where separate bowel segments are surgically joined together). Intestinal duplication requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications and to preserve function of the affected bowel.