Intussusception is one of the commonest causes of intestinal obstruction in infants and accounts for about 700 hospital admissions each year in England and Wales. Improved results of treatment have followed recent technological developments, which include ultrasonographic imaging and pneumatic reduction techniques. Most intussusceptions can be reduced successfully without the need for operation but close cooperation between surgeon and radiologist is essential. Mortality and morbidity rates from the condition have progressively declined in recent decades but avoidable deaths still occur.

Duplication of the alimentary tract is rare but potentially dangerous. Five of 72 children with alimentary tract duplication treated between 1973 and 1992 died from postoperative complications; a further ten required more than one operation. Ileal duplications were the commonest, occurring in 16 patients (22 per cent). Thoracoabdominal duplications were the most complicated and responsible for much of the overall morbidity and mortality. Surgical complications were related to the size and location of the duplication, communication with the gastrointestinal tract or vertebral canal, presence of heterotopic gastric mucosa and involvement of mesenteric vessels. Complete excision of the duplication should be possible in most cases.

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SUMMARY Of 253 infants with oesophageal atresia treated over an eight year period, 122 (48%) had a total of 213 other anomalies. Most commonly affected were the cardiovascular (61 cases, 29%), anorectal (30 cases, 14%), and genitourinary (29 cases, 14%) systems. The VATER (or VACTERL) association was present in 10% of cases, but occurred more often in patients who had oesophageal atresia without an associated tracheo-oesophageal fistula (3/13, 23%). The level of the associated anorectal malformation was not associated with the type of oesophageal atresia.

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One hundred and seventy six children with severe mental retardation underwent a fundoplication for considerable gastro-oesophageal reflux. There were six 'early' (3%) deaths and five 'late' deaths. Major complications developed in 17 (10%) children whereas 86 (49%) had 'minor' complications. A revision operation was required in 27 patients. Overali 142 (81%) children achieved a good result.In spite of the high complication rate and the need for a secondary operation in 15% of the patients, the quality of life for these children and their parents and carers is greatly improved by antireflux surgery.

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The position of the duodenojejunal flexure was determined in 37 out of a group of 49 consecutive infants presenting with intussusception. The flexure was in a normal position in 19, at the midline in 3, and in an abnormal position in 15. The caecum was unfixed in all of the 41 infants subjected to operation. It is concluded that lack of normal rotation and fixation of the intestine is an important factor in the aetiology of idiopathic intussusception of infants.