What are duplications and cysts?

Intestinal duplications and cysts are birth defects in which an abnormal part of the intestine is connected to the wall of the stomach or intestines. This can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Signs and symptoms

Most people with duplications or cysts will have symptoms as babies, while other people may not have any issues until later in childhood or even adulthood. Symptoms can vary and may include:

• Vomiting, sometimes with blood
• Abdominal pain
• Intestinal blockage
• Blood in the stool

Testing and diagnosis

Diagnosis is often made during a prenatal ultrasound, but can also be made later in life with radiological testing (such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI) or with a camera test (upper endoscopy and/or colonoscopy). Treatment usually requires surgery to remove the abnormal part of the intestine.