P-ISSN: 2708-1494, E-ISSN: 2708-1508
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International Journal of Case Reports in Surgery
Printed Journal   |   Refereed Journal   |   Peer Reviewed Journal


2024, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B

A case report on cecal volvulus, an uncommon occurrence


Author(s): Shauna Patel, Neal Malhotra and Kimia Badakshan

Abstract: Introduction: A cecal volvulus most commonly occurs from torsion of the cecal mesentery, resulting in acute bowel obstruction. It has a highly variable clinical presentation of nonspecific signs of bowel obstruction and accounts for only 1.875% of all large bowel obstructions.Case Presentation: A 90-year-old female presented with complaints of abdominal pain exacerbated by movement and watery diarrhea. She presented with abdominal distension, absent bowel sounds, elevated neutrophil count, and elevated venous blood lactate levels. The plain radiograph demonstrated signs of large bowel obstruction through distended loops of bowel reaching the right and left upper quadrants and the hypogastric abdomen. A detorsion of the cecum was performed through exploratory laparotomy followed by an ileocecectomy and ileocolostomy due to bowel ischemia.Discussion: This case highlights the significance of identifying the variable clinical presentations and utilizing appropriate diagnostic tools when suspecting cecal volvulus. An x-ray depicting dilation of the cecum greater than 9 cm suggests cecal volvulus. A contrast enema may also be supportive in diagnosis. A contrast axial CT demonstrating the bird’s beak sign and whirl sign are specific for diagnostic purposes. Depending on the patient's clinical manifestation, treatment can include surgical and nonsurgical modalities, such as colonoscopic detorsion, cecopexy, and ileocecectomy. Conclusion: Due to the highly variable presentation of cecal volvulus, it is important to utilize adequate clinical diagnostic and imaging modalities to assess patients with signs of bowel obstructions and facilitate prompt treatment and recovery.

DOI: 10.22271/27081494.2024.v6.i2b.111

Pages: 58-60 | Views: 128 | Downloads: 56

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International Journal of Case Reports in Surgery
How to cite this article:
Shauna Patel, Neal Malhotra, Kimia Badakshan. A case report on cecal volvulus, an uncommon occurrence. Int J Case Rep Surg 2024;6(2):58-60. DOI: 10.22271/27081494.2024.v6.i2b.111


International Journal of Case Reports in Surgery
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