Transverse volvulus as an unusual form of low mechanical intestinal obstruction
Keywords:
General surgery, laparotomy, bowel obstruction, intestinal volvulusAbstract
Introduction: Colonic volvulus can occur in the sigmoid (most common due to being the portion with the greatest mobility of the large intestine), cecum, and transverse colon (less common); however, it can present in an unusual manner, masking the clinical picture and turning it into a true diagnostic challenge for the assisting surgeon.
Objective: To add arguments for clinical diagnosis of an unusual presentation of colonic volvulus.
Clinical case: Patient who was admitted to the emergency room with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, signs of shock, acute abdomen, abdominal distension and detection of intestinal transit; he was operated on urgently and finally diagnosed with volvulus of the transverse colon.
Conclusions: Transverse colon volvulus is a real diagnostic challenge for the general surgeon due to its unusual presentation and because it is a rare cause of low mechanical intestinal obstruction, with loop necrosis being the most feared complication.
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