What is ladd procedure?

A Ladd procedure is a type of surgery. It fixes a problem with how your baby's intestines are positioned in his or her belly.

A Ladd procedure may be needed if the position of your baby's intestines causes problems.

Before a baby is born, his or her intestines turn inside the body as they grow. In most cases, this turning continues until the intestines end up where they should be inside the belly. But if they start to turn and don't finish, they won't be in the right position. This is called malrotation.

If your baby has a malrotation, the intestine can twist and become blocked. If it isn't untwisted right away, the intestine can die and must be removed. Sometimes bands of tissue (Ladd's bands) can grow and press on the intestine. This can stop it from working as it should.

The doctor will make a cut (incision) in your baby's belly. The doctor might make a few very small cuts to use a camera to see during the surgery.

If your baby's intestine is twisted, the doctor will untwist it. Then he or she will cut the bands of tissue that are pressing on the intestine. The doctor will make sure that the intestine looks healthy.

The doctor will move the intestine into a better position in the belly. He or she will also remove your baby's appendix. This helps prevent problems with it in the future.

Your baby will be watched closely after the surgery. The care team will look for any changes in health that need more treatment.