ABSTRACT
Duplications of the alimentary tract are rare spherical or tubular structures that can occur anywhere in the tract from mouth to anus. Numerous theories have been developed to account for the multitude of gastrointestinal (GI) tract duplications. Certain duplications appear to represent partial twinning, particularly the tubular duplications of the terminal ileum and colon. The most satisfactory of several theories of the origin of GI duplications is that relating to the development of the neurenteric canal. Duplications are hollow structures that involve the mesenteric side of the associated GI tract. They tend to share a common muscular wall and blood supply with its mature bowel, although each has its own separate lining. The esophagus is a relatively common site for foregut duplications, with the majority being intramural, noncommunicating cystic structures related to the right side of the esophagus. The surgical approach depends largely on the location of the cyst.
