DUPLICATIONS of the alimentary tract, or, as they have been more commonly called, enterogenous cysts or diverticula, are of great rarity, especially in the rectum. Because of its rarity, the difficulty of making a correct diagnosis and of selection of proper therapeutic measures, this entity is of special interest.
It has been recommended that the term "duplication of the alimentary tract" be substituted for the term "enterogenous cyst" or "enterogenous diverticulum." Since these tumors appear to have a common origin and present similar problems, Ladd and Gross have advocated that they be grouped under one inclusive term.
"Duplications of the alimentary tract are hollow structures which possess a muscular coat... and are lined with epithelium similar' to that found in some portion of the gastro-intestinal tract."1 They may arise in any portion of the tract from the tongue to the anus, the most common site being the ileocecal valve,