Sub-acute transverse colon volvulus an exceptional cause of large bowel obstruction: Case report

Transverse colon volvulus following normal delivery: report of a rare case and review of the world literature

The incidence of volvulus increases during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This condition can be challenging to diagnose and can lead to increased morbidity and mortality for both the mother and fetus. Recently, our center successfully treated a 33-year-old woman who developed transverse colon volvulus after normal delivery. After conducting a literature review, the case of volvulus occurring after normal delivery was rarely reported. Finally, the twisted mesocolon was restored by laparotomy, and the patient recovered well after the operation. This case report highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment of this rare complication during the postpartum period. The key to successful treatment is minimizing delays in decision-making and ensuring timely surgery.

Volvulus of the Transverse Colon Herniated Through Drain Site

Herniation of the transverse colon and volvulus of it occurring through the previous surgical drain site, presenting as intestinal obstruction, has never been reported. We present an 80-year-old female who complained of abdominal swelling for 10 years. She started developing pain abdomen for 10 days and obstipation for three days. Abdominal examination showed a tender mass in the right lumbar region, with all borders being distinct, and there was no cough impulse. There is a lower midline scar from the previous laparotomy and a small scar over the swelling (drain site). Imaging studies were diagnostic of large bowel obstruction due to the herniation and volvulus of the transverse colon through the previous surgical drain site. She underwent laparotomy, derotation of transverse colon with hernia reduction, and onlay meshplasty. She had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged.

Volvulus of the Transverse Colon

BACKGROUND

In the United States, the third leading cause of a large bowel obstruction (LBO) is colonic volvulus with torsion occurring most commonly in the sigmoid and the cecum. Transverse colonic volvulus (TCV) is exceedingly rare and specific involvement of the splenic flexure (SFV) is even less common. The present analysis was undertaken to interrogate current trends in presentation, management, and outcomes of TCV.

METHODS

In the present report, the world literature was reviewed for the past 90 years (1932 to 2021). We conducted a systematic review to identify all cases of TCV following the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

We identified 317 cases of TCV. This included SFV (n = 75), TCV in pediatric patients (n = 63), TCV in pregnant patients (n = 8), and TCV associated with other pathology such as Chilaiditi's syndrome (n = 11). Compared to sigmoid and cecal volvulus, TCV was rare (.94%). It affected slightly more women (54%) than men, commonly in their third decade of life (37.7 ± 23.8). The clinical presentation and diagnostic imaging were consistent with LBO. Compared to sigmoid volvulus, there was a limited role for conservative management and colonoscopic decompression was less effective. The most common operation was segmental resection (25%). Mortality was (20%) commonly because of cardiopulmonary complications and affected more women (63%). The average age of this cohort was 55.7±24.6 years old.

DISCUSSION

Our review showed that TCV is an uncommon surgical entity. The diagnosis is likely to be made at laparotomy. Prompt recognition is paramount in preventing ischemia necrosis and perforation. Compared to sigmoid and cecal volvulus, the mortality for TCV remains high.

Ischemic volvulus of the transverse colon caused by intestinal malrotation: A case report

Introduction

Congenital Intestinal malrotation is a complex disorder caused by incomplete or abnormal rotation of the intestine during fetal development. Volvulus of the transverse colon secondary to intestinal malrotation is a rare cause of acute abdomen in adults. It has a high risk of mortality, hence the need for an urgent diagnosis and surgical intervention.

Case report

We report an unusual case of volvulus of the transverse colon caused by intestinal malrotation. A 21-year-old women presented abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting. On clinical examination, the abdomen was tympanic to percussion with peritoneal sensitivity. The abdominal X-ray revealed a massive obstruction of the distended large intestine with a “U-shaped” loop. He underwent an exploratory laparotomy that revealed the diagnosis of transverse colon volvulus with intestinal malrotation. His condition was treated surgically by transverse colectomy with colostomy. The patient died on the second day following a hemodynamic instability.

Conclusion

Transverse colonic volvulus is a rare entity with a high mortality, so it requires urgent diagnosis and surgical intervention.

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Volvulus of the transverse colon secondary to intestinal malrotation is a rare cause of an acute abdomen in adults.

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Volvulus of the transverse colon has a high risk of mortality, so it requires urgent diagnosis and surgical intervention.

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The diagnosis of the volvulus of the transverse colon before surgery is rarely observed, it's most often made intraoperatively.

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The choice of a procedure depends on the general condition of the patient.