The duplication of gastrointestinal tract has been known to be a rare condition and two different forms, cystic and tubular type. This study was conducted to examine its clinical characteristics, especially cystic enteric duplication which was detected antenatally or postnatally.

There were 13 patients, who confirmed as cystic enteric duplication after operation between July 1996 and June 2015. Clinical data, including a gender, age at operation, presenting symptoms, diagnostic modalities, locations of lesion, and results of surgical treatment, were reviewed retrospectively according to cases detected antenatally and postnatally.

Five cases were included in antenatal diagnosis group and 8 cases in postnatal diagnosis group. Both groups show slightly common in female and the lesion most common in ileum. Antenatal diagnosis group shows 2 males and 3 females and the mean age at operation was 12±52 days (range, 5 to 90 days). They received operation regardless of symptom. Postnatal group shows 3 males and 5 females and the mean age at operation was 462.5±777.0 days (range, 4 days to 6 years). Moreover, 6 patients (75.0%) were age before 2 years. They usually presented abdominal pain with vomiting.

Cystic enteric duplication could present symptoms at any time during childhood, mainly before 2 years old, and so a proper management should be considered when suspect it. Although it is uncommon, surgical management including a minimal invasive procedure could be attempted despite the neonatal period.