Metachronous volvulus of the splenic flexure: a rarer entity

Abstract

Intestinal obstruction due to volvulus is a well-known entity in India, one of the ‘volvulus belt’ countries; but volvulus of the splenic flexure is a rare condition, even more so when metachronous. Only about half a century of citations has been mentioned in the surgical history since its first mention in literature. Our patient, a young man with a history of previous two abdominal operations presented with signs of intestinal obstruction which were confirmed by radiological findings to be volvulus of splenic flexure. Following failed attempted derotation by flatus tube, he underwent laparotomy, intraoperative derotation of the volvulus followed by resection of the involved segment and colo-colic anastomosis with diverting loop ileostomy. Apart from surgical site infection, his postoperative recovery was uneventful.