Duodenostomy: A Surgical Procedure for Digestive Disorders

Duodenostomy is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon creates an opening or stoma in the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. This opening allows the contents of the stomach to bypass the rest of the digestive system and flow directly into the intestine.

The purpose of duodenostomy is to treat certain medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's esophagus, or ulcers that do not respond to other treatments. It is also used in some cases of cancer of the esophagus or stomach.

During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen and then create the opening in the duodenum. The stoma is then brought out through the incision and attached to the skin of the abdomen. A pouch or bag is then attached to the stoma to collect the contents of the stomach.

It is important to note that duodenostomy is a major surgical procedure and carries risks such as infection, bleeding, and narrowing or blockage of the intestine. It is usually performed in cases where other treatments have failed and the benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks.