Background: Laparoscopic approach for malrotation has become more popular for neonates and in cases with volvulus, but its safety and efficacy remains controversial. This study reviewed laparoscopy outcomes in neonate/infant malrotation.
Methods: Medline/PubMed and Lilacs databases were reviewed. Data from studies published in English/Spanish between 1995 and 2019 were collected. Results are presented as percentages and means/medians; logistic regression was used to study possible associations.
Results: Nineteen papers offered 99 neonates/infants with median age and weight of 10.5 days and 3.5 kg, respectively. Ladd's procedure was performed in 95 (96%) patients and bands' division in 4 (4%); appendectomy was not included in 16 (16.2%) patients, and cecopexy was not performed in all cases. Volvulus was reported in 39 (39.4%) patients. There were 11 conversions (11.1%) and 10 recurrences of symptoms (10.1%) that required reintervention. An association was found between volvulus and recurrence (P = .05) and the need for conversion (P < .01). There were 10 (10.1%) minor complications and no mortality. The median follow-up was 10 months.
Discussion: Laparoscopic approach to malrotation is feasible and safe in hemodynamically stable neonates/infants without intestinal necrosis and is associated with 11% conversion rate and 10% reinterventions. The presence of volvulus is associated with recurrence and conversion. Laparoscopic Ladd's procedure with appendectomy and without cecopexy is the commonly practiced approach that is associated with minor complications.
Keywords: infant; intestinal volvulus; laparoscopy; malrotation; newborn.