Duplication

Duplication may result from the failure of the colon to recanalize in utero, incomplete separation of the notochord from the ectoderm, or caudal twinning. Duplications may be closed cysts or they may communicate with the colonic lumen. Patients can have symptoms of obstruction, volvulus, and hemorrhage which may become complicated by infection and malignant degeneration. Abdominal X-ray, barium enema studies, and CT scans may reveal masses or show communication with the colon. Tubular duplications are treated by dividing the common wall. Rectal duplications are usually resected because of the risk of malignancy.