[Congenital duodenal diaphragm in an adult. A rare cause of duodenal obstruction after childhood].

Since 1845, a diaphragm has been known to be able to cause duodenal obstruction. Not until 1944 could the condition be ascertained and treated successfully. The condition is normally detected in childhood and is therefore rare in the adult. The treatment is either duodenoduodenostomy or duodenojejunostomy or excision of the membrane, through a duodenotomy or by means of an endoscopic laser. In this report, the case of a 37-year old male is described. Although the condition is rare, it should be kept in mind in individuals with repetitive vomiting where other possibilities e.g. pyloric stenosis, are ruled out.