Volvulus Research Articles

Association of Cystic Dilatation of the Common Bile Duct and Intestinal Volvulus in Children

Cystic dilation of the common bile duct is a congenital condition defined by a communicative dilation of the extrahepatic bile duct, whether associated with or without dilation of the intrahepatic bile duct. Intestinal malrotation, on the other hand, refers to a failure of rotation and fixation of the primitive intestinal loop during embryonic life. The association of cystic dilation of the common bile duct with intestinal volvulus is a very rare occurrence, posing a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Here, we present a case of an 8-year-old girl admitted for the management of cystic dilation of the common bile duct associated with intestinal volvulus, which was surgically treated with a favorable outcome.

Gastric Volvulus with Hiatal Hernia in a Young Male: A Case Report

Background: Gastric volvulus, a rare surgical emergency mimics common presentations like acute pancreatitis. Intestinal obstruction and hollow viscous perforation. Clinical Description: A young male without any co-morbidities presenting with acute pain in the abdomen with vomiting for 5 days with stable vitals. Management: Erect abdominal X-ray with diagnostic endoscopy was done on an emergency basis. Laparoscopic repair of the hiatal hernia with anterior gastropexy was performed immediately. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of acute abdominal pain is crucial as misdiagnosis delays proper treatment. Aspiring surgeons should acknowledge that while diagnosing rare disorders may often be challenging, there is a possibility of accuracy in specific cases.

Pneumatosis intestinalis as a manifestation of chronic intestinal volvulus: case report

The pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is a rare disease characterized by presence of gaseous cysts containing nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon dioxide in the intestinal wall that can be idiopathic or associated with other diseases. There are 5 theories about the pathophysiology: mechanic (obstruction), immunosuppression (atrophy of Peyer's patches), bacterial (Clostridium spp.), pulmonary (chronic pulmonary disease) and chemical (exposure to trichloroethylene). The aim of this paper is to present a clinical case of a patient with rheumatic comorbidity admitted to the emergency service and diagnosed with acute abdomen secondary to intestinal volvulus associated with pneumatosis intestinalis.

Could "Low Quality of Life" Rather Than "Significant Symptoms" Be Better Criteria for the Selection of Patients for the Repair of a Giant Hiatus Hernia?

Purpose Giant hiatus hernia (GHH) repair is undertaken electively in symptomatic patients, to prevent complications such as gastric volvulus and subsequent mortality. Advances in laparoscopy and perioperative care have reduced the risk of GHHrepair, and improvement in quality of life (QoL) has become an important outcome measure. In our unit, we have been assessing QoL in all the operated as well as non-operated patients with GHH, using the "Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia" (QOLRAD) questionnaire. We sought to evaluate differences in QoLbetween patients who were managed conservatively for GHHand those who underwent GHH repair over a two-year period. Methods All patients seen in the Upper Gastrointestinal Tertiary Unit in Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trustwith GHH between January 2015 and December 2022 were identified from a prospectively kept database. QOLRAD scores were analyzed and compared between conservatively and operatively managed patients using the Mann-Whitney U test. Demographic and operative outcome data were also collected. Results Eighty-seven patients with GHH were included. QoL of 51 patients improved significantly after elective surgery. Five out of 36 patients, who were initially treated conservatively, elected to have repair during their follow-up period. These 5 Patients had a lower initial QOLRAD score in comparison to those whose management remained conservative (2.72 vs 5.05, Mann Whitney U testp=0.034), and their QOLRAD scores also improved significantly after the operation. QOLRAD scores in conservatively managed patients remained stable over a two-year follow-up period. Conclusion Objectively calculated low QoL may be a more useful tool than subjective symptoms in selecting patients for elective repair of GHH.

A Classification for Gastric Outlet Obstruction in Childhood: Extending Beyond Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis.

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a rare condition in childhood, with the exception of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). However, no classification exists from a pediatric gastroenterologist's perspective. The patients with a diagnosis of GOO between 2009 and 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. We classified the patients according to GOO: presence of clinical findings accompanied by radiological and/or endoscopic findings; clinical status: intractable nonbilious postprandial vomiting alone or with abdominal pain, early satiety, weight loss, postprandial abdominal distension, and malnutrition; radiology: delayed gastric emptying and dilated stomach; endoscopy: nonbilious gastric contents after 6-8 hours of emptying and/or failed pyloric intubation; physical examination: visible gastric peristalsis. A total of 30 GOO patients (15 patients with IHPS, 1 patient with annular pancreas, 4 patients with gastric volvulus, 2 patients with duodenal atresia, 2 patients with antral web, 1 patient with late-onset hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (LHPS) had surgical treatment, and remaining 5 patients had medical treatment) were enrolled to the study. The median age was 8 months (range: 3 months-16 years), and 14 patients were female. Mitochondrial disorders, LHPS, metabolic disorders, and eosinophilic gastrointestinal system diseases were added to Sharma's GOO classification, and the classification has been expanded. This is the first and largest study of GOO in children. From the perspective of pediatric gastroenterology, new diseases will be addressed, and definitions will be highlighted with our classification for GOO in childhood.

Laparoscopic proximal sleeve gastrectomy as an alternative for management of giant hiatal hernias

Background and aim: Large anatomic defects of the diaphragmatic hiatus known as giant hiatal hernias could be associated with reflux esophagitis disease (GERD) and other life-threatening complications such as gastric volvulus, ischemia and perforation, thus surgical repair is warranted. Although usually the key steps to surgical repair are reduction of the herniated stomach, complete excision of the sac, hiatus repair, and an antireflux procedure, surgery in these cases is associated with a great rate of anatomic and functional failure, therefore different techniques have been described since the original description of Collis gastroplasty designed to lengthen the short esophagus. Methods: We report here the technique and results performing proximal vertical gastrectomy or proximal sleeve gastrectomy (PSG) as an alternative in cases in which the possibility of recurrence of the hiatal hernia (HH) is high. Results: After years of follow-up after surgery, all the case patients presented here are free of gastroesophageal reflux or dysphagia symptoms, with no necessity for acid suppression medication, and no side effects of the surgery. Conclusion: The treatment of giant HH is a complex and challenging disorder to treat. PSG seems to be a good surgical alternative for the treatment of some special cases of giant HH minimizing the GERD symptoms and possible recurrences.

Gastric necrosis secondary to gastric volvulus in a paraesophageal hernia: a case report.

Hiatal hernias are commonly encountered in clinical practice. In certain cases, especially in large hiatal hernias, gastric volvulus can occur. Patients with volvulus typically will present with vomiting, chest pain, shortness of breath, and dysphagia. In extreme cases, gastric volvulus can result in gastric necrosis requiring partial or total gastrectomy. Here we highlight a case of a 76-year-old female with a known large type IV hiatal hernia who was found to have gastric volvulus with necrosis requiring partial sleeve gastrectomy. This case demonstrates the rare, but possible complication of gastric necrosis secondary to gastric volvulus from a large hiatal hernia, prompting emergent surgical intervention.

Impact of Focused Abdominal Ultrasound Utilization on Outcomes for Children With Midgut Volvulus

BackgroundUltrasound (US) is gaining acceptance for the evaluation of midgut volvulus in children. However, its impact on clinical outcomes is unknown. We aim to determine whether using US as a first-line modality changes imaging mobilization, time to surgery and re-feeding, length of stay, and frequency of bowel necrosis, short bowel syndrome, and death. MethodsAn IRB-approved retrospective cohort study was performed at a tertiary pediatric institution. Eighty children with surgically confirmed midgut volvulus from 2014 to 2021 were compared before and after implementation of US as first-line imaging and based on the modality used to diagnose midgut volvulus. ResultsOutcomes were not statistically different pre- versus post-implementation. Compared with patients who had UGI only, those who had US only or both had significantly quicker imaging mobilization (median: −33 min; 95% CI: −61.2, −4.8; p = 0.023 and median: −31 min; 95% CI: −58.5, −3.6; p = 0.028 respectively). Patients with US only were less likely to have bowel necrosis compared with those who had UGI only (9.1% versus 43.8%, p = 0.042). Patients who had US only or both were less likely to develop short bowel syndrome compared to UGI only (4.8% US only, 0% both, 40% UGI only; p = 0.027 for US only, p = 0.005 for both). ConclusionsNo statistically significant change in outcomes was found after implementation of US as first-line imaging for midgut volvulus. However, patients diagnosed with US only or US in combination with UGI had quicker imaging mobilization and decreased frequency of bowel necrosis and short bowel syndrome. Findings suggest that US has potential to improve patient outcomes. Level of EvidenceIII.

The performance of ultrasound and upper gastrointestinal study in diagnosing malrotation in children, with or without volvulus.

Rapid diagnosis is crucial for pediatric patients with midgut volvulus and malrotation to prevent serious complications. While the upper gastrointestinal study (UGIS) is the traditional method, the use of ultrasound (US) is gaining prominence. To assess the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of US compared to UGIS for malrotation and midgut volvulus. A cross-sectional study was performed on 68 pediatric patients who underwent US and/or UGIS before surgery for suspected midgut volvulus or malrotation in Kuala Lumpur (PPUKM and HTA), referencing surgical outcomes as the gold standard. US demonstrated a higher specificity (100%) than UGIS (83%) for diagnosing malrotation, with a slightly lower sensitivity (97% vs. 100%). For midgut volvulus, US surpassed UGIS in sensitivity (92.9% vs. 66.7%) while maintaining comparable specificity. The SMA/SMV criteria showed better sensitivity (91.1%) than the D3 assessment (78.9%) on US, though both had high specificity. US is equivalent to UGIS for identifying malrotation and is more sensitive for detecting midgut volvulus, supporting its use as a primary diagnostic tool. The study advocates for combined US and UGIS when either yields inconclusive results, optimizing diagnostic precision for these conditions.

BIOLOGICS AND SMALL MOLECULES USED IN IBD MIMICS: HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF DIAGNOSIS CONFIRMATION

Abstract INTRODUCTION Since 2009, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) specialists have been utilizing “IBD Live,” a weekly live video conference with a global audience of 150-200 participants, to discuss the multidisciplinary management of their commonly seen and most challenging cases. While most cases presented were confirmed as IBD, a substantial number were mimics for which IBD was not the ultimate diagnosis. We previously categorized all IBD Live cases and identified the frequency of “IBD mimics.” Here, we examine the use of biologic medications for these cases which ultimately were determined to be something other than IBD. METHODS Cases have been recorded and archived since May 2018. 371 total cases from May 2018 through February 2023 were reviewed spanning 186 hours. 65 of those cases were determined to be IBD mimics, defined as those with features of IBD that ultimately resulted in a non-IBD diagnosis. IBD mimics were analysed and categorized in terms of their biologic usage. RESULTS 25 of the 65 mimics (38.5%) were treated with biologics for presumed IBD. 14 were treated with one biologic, 5 with two biologics, and 6 with three or more biologics. The biologics used in the management of these IBD mimics included infliximab (n=21), vedolizumab (n=12), adalimumab (n=11), ustekinumab (n=6), and certolizumab (n=1). Of the 25 cases of biologic usage without definitive confirmation of IBD, 6 ended up with a diagnosis where biologics were an appropriate treatment for the mimic. These mimics included drug-induced colitis (n=3), Behcet’s disease (n=1), segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD; n=1), and CTLA-4 haploinsufficiency with autoimmune infiltrates (CHAI; n=1). Several of the IBD mimics were prescribed steroids, azathioprine, mercaptopurine, or methotrexate, and 3 were trialled on tofacitinib (for Sweet’s syndrome, PIK3cd, and SCAD). There were 3 patients with confirmed IBD, in remission on a biologic, who subsequently had symptoms concerning for an IBD flare. In each of these cases, IBD was not the cause of their symptoms (e.g., cecal volvulus). There were 4 patients with confirmed IBD, in remission off biologics, who later developed symptoms suspicious for an IBD flare. Each of these cases was trialled on biologics to treat the supposed flare; however, symptoms were ultimately found to be due to an IBD mimic (e.g., eosinophilic esophagitis). 33 of the 65 IBD mimics were never treated with biologics. DISCUSSION In a 5-year period at IBD Live, 17.5% of cases (65 of 371) were found to be IBD mimics. 38.5% (25 of 65) of these were treated with biologics. The diverse presentation of signs and symptoms of IBD and IBD mimics requires reassessment of the biologic therapy in patients without response. Often the biologic needs to be optimized for IBD, but in some cases, the diagnosis of IBD will need to be called into question. Table 1 IBD mimics and biologics used Abbreviations BADAS = bowel-associated dermatosis-arthritis syndrome, BCL = B-cell lymphoma, CD = Crohn’s Disease, CHAI = CTLA-4 haploinsufficiency with autoimmune infiltrates, C-MUSE = cryptogenic multifocal ulcerous stenosing enteritis, CMV = cytomegalovirus, CVID = common variable immunodeficiency, EGPA = eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, GABA = gamma-aminobutyric acid, IBD = inflammatory bowel disease, IMHMV = idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins, PIK3cd = phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphonate 3-kinase catalytic subunit delta, PNH = paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, SCAD = segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis, STI = sexually transmitted infection, UC = Ulcerative Colitis. Image 1: Biologic usage in IBD mimics

Inflammatory biomarker concentrations in dogs with gastric dilatation volvulus with and without 24-h intravenous lidocaine.

Canine gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) is characterized by tissue ischemia, reperfusion, and systemic inflammation. Evidence exists that lidocaine exerts anti-inflammatory properties and potentially improves outcome. Prospective, randomized observational cohort study in client-owned dogs with GDV. The primary objective of the study was the determination of pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarker concentrations in dogs with GDV with and without intravenous (IV) lidocaine therapy. The second objective was the evaluation of side effects of lidocaine. Of 35 dogs included in the study, 20 dogs were assigned to receive lidocaine (LIDO) (2 mg/kg initially, followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 50 μg/kg/min over 24 h) and 15 dogs not to receive lidocaine (NO-LIDO). Plasma concentrations of cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18, interferon gamma, keratinocyte chemotactic-like, monocyte chemotactic protein, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured at admission (prior any therapeutic intervention, T0), immediately after surgery (T1), at 24 h (T24), and at 48 h (T48) post-surgery. No significant differences in concentrations of any cytokines were found between the LIDO- and the NO-LIDO group. Significant lower CRP concentrations (median [range]) were found in dogs with lidocaine compared to dogs without at T24 (97.5 pg/mL [46.3-161.7] vs. 127.9 pg/mL [26.9-182.0]; p = 0.046) and T48 (73.7 pg/mL [18.4-169.4] vs. 116.3 pg/mL [71.4-176.8]; p = 0.002). Dogs receiving lidocaine exhibited significantly impaired mentation, a prolonged period of anorexia, and longer hospitalization compared to dogs without lidocaine. Lidocaine administration had no impact on the plasma levels of cytokines during the 48-h study period, but significantly lower CRP concentrations were found at T24 and T48. Lidocaine's potential side effects require careful decision making regarding its use.

Second-look surgery in a patient of malrotation with midgut volvulus

Second-look surgery in a patient of malrotation with midgut volvulus

Cecal Volvulus – The Twisted Tale of Intestinal Obstruction

Abstract This case report highlights the presentation and management of a rare case of acute intestinal obstruction in an elderly patient in a peripheral hospital. The cause was cecal volvulus which was evaluated and managed emergently by early surgical intervention leading to a favorable outcome in the patient.

Adult intestinal malrotation: imaging findings.

Intestinal malrotation is the most common congenital anomaly of the small intestine. However, it is associated with delayed diagnosis due to the lack of specificity of its symptoms, which can lead to devastating consequences such as intestinal volvulus or massive intestinal necrosis. We present a clinical case in which we highlight the importance of abdominal computed tomography and the detection of its characteristic signs for the early identification of this pathology.

A multicentric observational retrospective study on patients with short bowel syndrome and chronic intestinal failure who underwent intestinal transplantation in Brazil

IntroductionShort Bowel Syndrome (SBS) is a rare gastrointestinal disorder associated with Intestinal Failure (SBS‐IF) that leads to morbidity, mortality, and a burden on healthcare costs. Intestine Transplantation (IT) is a treatment option for patients with SBS-IF as it replaces the missing or diseased intestine and offers the potential for return to normal activities and intestinal function. This study aims to describe the clinical course and demographical and clinical characteristics of subjects with SBS-IF who underwent IT in Brazil. MethodsThis retrospective observational study included all SBS-IF patients who underwent IT in two reference centers in Brazil from April 2011 to December 2021. ResultsA total of 7 young male participants were included in the study. The most frequent underlying condition was surgical complications, followed by intestinal volvulus and incisional hernia. The most frequent indication for IT was a hepatic disease associated with total Parenteral Nutrition (PN). The main type of IT performed was intestine only. The median time from underlying condition to IT was 67.3 (16.5‒88.5) months. The mean (SD) number of yearly hospitalizations per patient was 0.5 (0.3). The most common reason for hospitalization was PN-related complications. Sixty exams were performed in-hospital and 53 in the outpatient setting. ConclusionThe findings of this study may be helpful to understand better the journey of patients with SBS-IF to IT in Brazil, providing real-world evidence to develop health policy guidelines and improve the quality of life of these patients.

A rare case of cecal volvulus presenting as an intestinal obstruction

A rare case of cecal volvulus presenting as an intestinal obstruction

Ileo-sigmoidien knot: Case report

The ileosigmoid knot, also known as double volvulus, is a surgical emergency characterized by a double obstruction of the small intestine and sigmoid colon, Our patient have 62-year-old, chronic smoker, operated on at age 30 for ulcer perforation peritonitis and pyloric stenosis. Admitted to the emergency department with intestinal obstruction evolving for 3 days prior to admission, vomiting and generalized abdominal pain. Abdominal examination revealed generalized abdominal distension and defense. CT, distension of the colonic frame measuring 64mm at the coecum, producing the coffee-bean sign, with distension of some distal ileal loops measuring 33mm at the ileum, and a transitional level located at the pelvic level, producing the double-beak sign with visualization of the whirlpool sign, aeromesenteria and copious peritoneal effusion, the main treatment is a surgical intervention usually involves bowel resection with or without primary anastomosis.

A Complete Common Mesentery Presenting With Appendicular Peritonitis : Case report

Intestinal malrotation is an uncommon anomaly resulting from an interruption in the rotation and fixation of the embryonic gut. It can remain asymptomatic if the rotation halts at 90 degrees, leading to atypical presentations such as appendicitis, as observed in our case, or pose serious risks when accompanied by incomplete common mesentery and compounded by small intestine volvulus. A 58-year-old male presented with abdominal pain four days prior to admission, accompanied by fever. Clinical examination revealed abdominal tenderness, and laboratory tests indicated an inflammatory response. A CT scan confirmed acute appendicitis associated with complete common mesentery, prompting the patient to undergo open laparotomy appendectomy. Despite acute appendicitis typically presenting in a conventional manner, diagnosing its atypical forms in the context of intestinal malrotation poses considerable challenges. Abdominopelvic CT scan plays a crucial role in diagnosis, and laparoscopic appendectomy is the preferred treatment approach.

Enteric glial cell network function is required for epithelial barrier restitution following intestinal ischemic injury in the early postnatal period.

Ischemic damage to the intestinal epithelial barrier, such as in necrotizing enterocolitis or small intestinal volvulus, is associated with higher mortality rates in younger patients. We have recently reported a powerful pig model to investigate these age-dependent outcomes in which mucosal barrier restitution is strikingly absent in neonates but can be rescued by direct application of homogenized mucosa from older, juvenile pigs by a yet-undefined mechanism. Within the mucosa, a postnatally developing network of enteric glial cells (EGCs) is gaining recognition as a key regulator of the mucosal barrier. Therefore, we hypothesized that the developing EGC network may play an important role in coordinating intestinal barrier repair in neonates. Neonatal and juvenile jejunal mucosa recovering from surgically induced intestinal ischemia was visualized by scanning electron microscopy and the transcriptomic phenotypes were assessed by bulk RNA sequencing. EGC network density and glial activity were examined by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, three-dimensional (3-D) volume imaging, and Western blot and its function in regulating epithelial restitution was assessed ex vivo in Ussing chamber using the glia-specific inhibitor fluoroacetate (FA), and in vitro by coculture assay. Here we refine and elaborate our translational model, confirming a neonatal phenotype characterized by a complete lack of coordinated reparative signaling in the mucosal microenvironment. Furthermore, we report important evidence that the subepithelial EGC network changes significantly over the early postnatal period and demonstrate that the proximity of a specific functional population of EGC to wounded intestinal epithelium contributes to intestinal barrier restitution following ischemic injury.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study refines a powerful translational pig model, defining an age-dependent relationship between enteric glia and the intestinal epithelium during intestinal ischemic injury and confirming an important role for enteric glial cell (EGC) activity in driving mucosal barrier restitution. This study suggests that targeting the enteric glial network could lead to novel interventions to improve recovery from intestinal injury in neonatal patients.

Use of real-time near-infrared fluorescence to assess gastric viability in dogs with gastric dilatation volvulus: A case-control study.

To describe near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) for assessment of gastric viability and describe NIRF's influence on the surgeon's operative strategy in dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). Prospective clinical trial. Twenty dogs with GDV and 20 systemically healthy dogs. Following gastric derotation, the surgeon's subjective assessment of gastric viability was recorded prior to near-infrared imaging. Changes in the surgeon's initial assessment of viability based on the visual pattern of gastric fluorescence was recorded. If nonviable (lack of defined vessels), a partial gastrectomy was performed and submitted for histopathology. The stapled gastrectomy line was imaged. Viable (defined vessels) and nonviable fluorescence intensities were compared with healthy dogs undergoing surgery for nongastrointestinal disease. Subjective assessment diagnosed 17 viable and three nonviable GDVs (2 fundi; 1 cardia). Near-infrared imaging demonstrated nonviable gastric fluorescence in 4 dogs (3 fundi/cardia; 1 fundus). The surgeon's margins for resection were altered in 3/20 dogs. Fluorescence intensity (cardia, fundus, body, pylorus) was lower in GDV viable (30.59%, p = .04; 38.17%, p < .01; 51.18%, p < .01; 44.12%, p= .01) and nonviable (11.00%, p < .01; 4.33%, p < .01; 57.67%, p = .22; 54.33%, p = .72) dogs compared to healthy controls (44.7%, 70.05%, 84.00%, 63.95%). Fundic fluorescence was less in nonviable gastric tissue in comparison with viable gastric tissue (p = .03). Fluorescence of the gastrectomy staple line approximated that of viable tissue. Near-infrared fluorescence can identify histologically confirmed nonviable gastric tissue. These results provide enough evidence to support the implementation of NIRF as an adjunct to gross examination of the gastric wall in dogs with GDV.