Simultaneous cecal and transverse colon volvulus: An exceedingly rare case of intestinal obstruction from Ethiopia: A case report and review of literatures

Abstract

Introduction and importanceBowel obstruction is a mechanical or functional blockade of intestinal contents from evacuation to the adjacent distal bowel or external environment. Cecal volvulus is the twisting of distal ileum, cecum and ascending colon on their mesentery. Transverse colon volvulus is another rare cause of large bowel obstruction even less prevalent than cecal volvulus. Colectomy with decompression stoma is the widely practice of intervention in cecal or transverse colon volvulus. Case presentationA 45 years-old male patient presented to our center with failure to pass feces and flatus of 5 days duration. He also had crampy abdominal pain, abdominal distention and vomiting of ingested matter. Vital signs were normal except mild tachycardia. He had distended non-tender abdomen, hyperactive bowel sound and hyper-tympanic percussion. However, there was no sign of fluid collection of abdominal or rectal mass. Plain abdominal X-ray showed distended large bowel loops with multiple air fluid levels. Exploratory laparotomy revealed simultaneous cecal and transverse colon clockwise volvulus 270 degrees on their mesentery. DiscussionMechanical bowel obstruction is major cause of surgical admission in both developed and developing countries. Anatomic and congenital factors play significant role in both transverse colon and cecal volvulus. Endoscopic decompression in the case of cecal and transverse colon volvulus is less probable and not recommended. ConclusionSimultaneous cecal and transverse colon volvulus is an extremely rare occasion where there is no report in the history of literatures to date. Management involves extended right hemicolectomy with proximal diversion and distal mucus fistula.