Enteric duplication

Also known as: duplication cysts, enteric duplication cysts, fetal enteric duplication cysts, intestinal duplications, alimentary tract duplication.

What is enteric duplication?

An enteric duplication is the presence of an abnormal cyst or structure in the digestive tract that is contained within the digestive tract and resembles the surrounding organs. It can appear anywhere from the esophagus to the rectum. This duplicate structure has its own blood supply and can cause complications within the body.
 

What causes enteric duplication?

Researchers aren’t exactly sure why enteric duplication occurs. It stems from some form of problem in the embryo that occurs very early on in its development.
 

What are the symptoms of enteric duplication?

Enteric duplication can cause pain, vomiting, bleeding, nausea, or blockage of the digestive tract.
 

What are enteric duplication care options?

Enteric duplications are removed with surgery. This is a low-risk operation with a generally good outcome.

Reviewed by: John M Peters, DO

This page was last updated on: March 20, 2019 04:06 PM