BACKGROUND: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a malabsorption syndrome that results from an extensive intestinal resection or repeated small bowel resections. Postoperative small bowel obstruction is a well-known complication of abdominal surgeries requiring readmission and reoperation after failed conservative management. A combination of the above factors poses a clinical challenge for surgeons due to lack of applicable treatment options.

CASE REPORT: A 68-year-old man underwent repetitive laparotomies and multiple small bowel resections for an incarcerated inguinal hernia, resulting in SBS. Postoperative small bowel obstruction resulting from an anastomotic stricture near the ligament of Treitz made the patient unable to sustain oral nutrition. During reoperation, insufficient jejunum length and extensive intraabdominal adhesions led us to perform a primary side-to-side duodenocolonic anastomosis, which is an unusual treatment option. After a long but uncomplicated postoperative course, the patient was able to ingest solid foods and was discharged in healthy condition with parental nutritional support.

CONCLUSIONS: Duodenocolostomy can be a treatment of last resort in patients with limited surgical treatment options and can lead to a significant improvement of their quality of life.

Keywords: Duodenostomy, Ileus, Intestinal Obstruction, Quality of Life, Short Bowel Syndrome