[Elective laparoscopic right colectomy for caecal volvulus: case report and literature review]

BACKGROUND

Caecal volvulus is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction. Its clinical presentation is non-specific, with the diagnosis usually confirmed by barium enema and abdominal computed tomography. Treatment depends on many factors, and minimally invasive approaches are becoming the treatment of choice.

CLINIC CASE

A 54 years old female, admitted to the Emergency Department with clinical symptoms of intestinal obstruction. On physical examination she had a palpable, firm, and tympanitic mass in the right abdomen, with peritoneal irritation. The radiographs of the abdomen, barium enema and abdominal computed tomography showed caecal volvulus. As she showed a full remission after the barium enema, with no clinical or biochemical data of systemic inflammatory response syndrome or peritoneal irritation, she was discharged to her home. Two weeks later, a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was performed with an ileo-transverse extracorporeal anastomosis. Her progress was satisfactory, and she was discharged 4 days after surgery due to improvement.

CONCLUSION

Caecal volvulus is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction, with high mortality rates, and is caused by excessive mobility of the caecum. Its incidence is increasing. Treatment depends on many factors. Early non-surgical untwisting, followed by an elective laparoscopic surgical procedure offers several advantages and reduces mortality.

[Colon transverse volvulus; a case report]

BACKGROUND

Colon transverse volvulus is an uncommon pathology which is associate with alterations of the colonic motility, mental disorders and congenital anomalies of the fixation of the colon sistem. Up to 1994, 72 cases has been reported in world-wide literature.

AIM

To report a case of colon transverse volvulus and the treatment.

CASE REPORT

A female 46 years old who show intense abdominal pain 2 days of evolution. The physical exploration show important abdominal distension and pain in left inferior quadrant. The Rx of abdomen with gas absence in rectal descendent colon and ampula with level and important distension of proximal colon. Colonoscopic study with impossibility to advance endoscopy throw colon transverse by zone of stenosis, wasn't made a contrast study, underwent laparotomy of urgency, it was done right hemicolectomy and ileocoloanastomosis with good evolution and given of discharge fourth postsurgical day.

CONCLUSIONS

This possibility is due to have in mind diagnoses, the treatment is surgical secondary to a high index of recidivate, nevertheless recommends the colonoscopy study accomplishment in order to discard obstructive injuries mainly cancer.