Successful preoperative diagnosis of a rare bowel obstruction: cecal volvulus

J Gastrointest Surg. 2008 Jan;12(1):202-4. doi: 10.1007/s11605-007-0228-6. Epub 2007 Jul 11.

Abstract

Cecal volvulus is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction and is rarely diagnosed correctly at the time of presentation. We report a case in an 86-year-old man presented with an abrupt onset of lower abdominal distension, preoperatively diagnosed as cecal volvulus by abdominal CT. Surgery revealed a 20 cm length of the closed-loop that had rotated in a counter-clockwise rotation. A right hemicolectomy with colonic fixation was subsequently performed; early diagnosis enabled this procedure to be performed in a timely fashion. This case demonstrates the need for clinicians to consider cecal volvulus as a possible cause of acute abdomen. Performing abdominal CT studies in such patients may enable early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cecal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cecal Diseases / surgery
  • Colectomy / methods
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Volvulus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intestinal Volvulus / surgery
  • Male
  • Preoperative Care / methods*
  • Radiography, Abdominal
  • Rare Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Rare Diseases / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed