title: The proximal mesenteric flap: a method for closing large mesenteric defects in jejunal atresia.
abstract: In selected patients with jejunal atresia, closure of the associated large mesenteric defect remains a technical problem. A case of jejunal atresia is reported in which a segment of dysfunctional proximal jejunum was resected and its mesentery retained, creating a flap of mesenteric tissue that was used to close a large defect. This technique allowed the closure of the mesenteric defect with a decreased chance of injury or kinking of the tenuous distal mesenteric vessels, improved orientation and stabilization of the distal bowel, and, theoretically, improved blood flow to the distal segment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756.
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Malcynski
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Shorter
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Mooney
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007409:Intestinal Atresia / Q000601:surgery*; D007583:Jejunum / Q000002:abnormalities*; D008643:Mesentery / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps