Duodenectomy

Pronunciation
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Complications
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A duodenectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of all or part of the duodenum, which is the first section of the small intestine. This procedure is typically performed to treat conditions such as duodenal cancer, severe peptic ulcer disease, or trauma to the duodenum.

Indications

Duodenectomy is indicated in several medical conditions, including:

• Duodenal cancer: Malignant tumors in the duodenum may necessitate removal.
• Severe peptic ulcer disease: When ulcers do not respond to medical treatment and cause complications such as bleeding or perforation.
• Trauma: Injury to the duodenum that cannot be repaired by other means.
• Familial adenomatous polyposis: A genetic condition that may lead to cancer if polyps in the duodenum are not removed.

Procedure

The procedure can be performed using either an open surgical approach or a laparoscopic technique, depending on the patient's condition and the surgeon's expertise. During the surgery, the affected portion of the duodenum is carefully excised, and the remaining sections of the gastrointestinal tract are reconnected to ensure continuity of the digestive system.

Risks and Complications

As with any major surgical procedure, duodenectomy carries certain risks and potential complications, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Anastomotic leak: Leakage at the site where the intestines are reconnected.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Due to the removal of part of the digestive tract.
• Delayed gastric emptying

Recovery

Postoperative care involves monitoring for complications, managing pain, and gradually reintroducing oral intake. Patients may require nutritional support and should follow up with their healthcare provider to monitor recovery and nutritional status.

See also

• Gastrointestinal surgery
• Pancreaticoduodenectomy
• Small intestine

External links

• Duodenectomy on WikiMD