[Volvulus of the small intestine, a rare complication during laxative period before colonoscopy]

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS

A 69-year-old patient was hospitalized 16 h after investigation of the colon (screening colonoscopy), suffering from abdominal pain, which had started during the laxative period the day before colonoscopy.

INVESTIGATIONS

Clinical and technical investigations showed signs of a peritonitis.

TREATMENT AND COURSE

By laparotomy a volvulus of the small intestine was found, caused by adhesions after appendectomy years before. A resection of a part of the small intestine got necessary, there were no problems during the postoperative course.

CONCLUSIONS

If pain appears during the laxative period before colonoscopy, rare complications like volvulus of the small intestine should be considered.

Small bowel volvulus due to giant mesenteric lipoma

We report on a 14-year-old girl with acute intestinal obstruction due to volvulus of the small bowel caused by a giant mesenteric lipoma. To the best of our knowledge, this presentation of a mesenteric lipoma is unknown in the previous paediatric literature.

[Eosinophilic colitis. A report of two cases with non conventional treatment]

Eosinophilic colitis is a rare entity of unknown etiology characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnosis includes histopathological infiltration of more than 20 eosinophils in colon. It is frequently associated with milk hypersensitivity and, less usual, with other foods and increased IgE. Histopthological appearance of eosinophil mediators has been observed in the gut. It is sometimes related to the degree of infiltration of eosinophils in the gut as well as to the disease severity. There is not an established treatment for this entity, although systemic steroids have been used with certain efficacy. However, there is a recurrence of the symptoms when the therapy stops, besides the well known side effects of the long-term use of steroids. Cromolyn inhibits mast cell degranulation and prevents liberation of mediators. It is successful in certain cases, specially the severe ones. However, it is not available for its use in our country. Ketotifen, as last resource in our patients with bad response to habitual treatment and restriction diet, was used. Although its use is controversial, we consider that stabilizing mast cell membrane with subsequent inhibition of degranulation and recruitment of eosinophils to sites of inflammation, would also restrain histamine liberation and blockage of H1 receptors, which would diminish local damage induced by eosinophils. Nonetheless ketotifen mechanism of action is unknown, our patients improved after treatment with this drug.

Conditions required for laparoscopic repair of subacute volvulus of the midgut in neonates with intestinal malrotation: 5 cases

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the optimal conditions for laparoscopic management of neonatal subacute volvulus with malrotation.

METHODS

Between 1994 and 2002, 13 neonates with midgut volvulus and malrotation entered the authors' institution. Five of these neonates met the eligibility criteria for laparoscopy: good hemodynamic parameters, no gut perforation, and no severe ischemic distress of the bowel shown on preoperative ultrasonography.

RESULTS

The results were excellent for only three infants, associated with a shorter postoperative course. One underwent reoperation for a residual duodenal band, and one conversion to open laparotomy was necessary. The predictors of success were no difficulty identifying the abnormal anatomy, no important chylous stasis, and the learning curve of the surgeon.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite its previously reported feasibility, neonatal laparoscopy for volvulus with intestinal malrotation is appropriate only for a small number of patients. Strict selection criteria with a clear understanding of the optimal conditions for success may improve the outcome.

Maladie de Hirschsprung à forme iléocolique associée à une malrotation intestinale

Hirschsprung's disease (HD) involves the entire colon in less than 5% of cases, and the association of extensive HD with intestinal malrotation is very rare. This association of symptoms may delay both diagnosis and treatment. An infant presented with an intermittent occlusive syndrome that began neonatally. Intestinal malrotation was diagnosed radiologically, and treated surgically when the child was 2 months old. However, a chronic occlusion persisted. Biopsies of the rectum and the appendix demonstrated an absence of neurons in intestinal plexi. When the child was 17 months old, ileostomy and surgical excision of the segment affected by HD (the colon and terminal ileum) were performed. An ileoanal anastomosis was performed at the age of 29 months, with favorable outcome. The persistence of symptoms of intestinal occlusion after attempted treatment of intestinal malrotation must therefore suggest the possibility of associated HD in a young child.

Transverse to Descending Colon Volvulus and Megacolon with Mesenterium Commune: Report of a Case

We report a case of volvulus of the transverse-descending (T-D) colon and megacolon associated with mesenterium commune. A 70-year-old man was referred to our hospital for investigation of severe constipation and abdominal fullness. On physical examination, his abdomen was remarkably distended with generalized tenderness, and weak bowel sounds. Abdominal X-ray showed megacolon at the splenic flexure and a contrast medium enema study showed tapering of the upper rectum. Accordingly, under a diagnosis of T-D colon volvulus, we performed an emergency operation to release the colon volvulus. The intraoperative findings showed a volvulus of the T-D colon with mesenterium commune. The patient recovered uneventfully and his symptoms resolved; however, a postoperative barium enema showed residual megacolon at the splenic flexure.

[Rule of early diagnosis for sigmoid volvulus. Case report]

The sigmoid colon is the most frequent site for a volvulus due to anatomical and pathological reasons. When the rotation of the loop occurs slowly, the sigma can greatly blow up and stretch. We report the clinical case of an 80-year-old woman admitted to our Department for an enormous volvulus of sigmoid colon. Physical examination, abdominal X-ray and CT-scan were performed to diagnose the disease. At the surgical procedure the sigma was about 50 centimetres in length and 15 centimetres in diameter, with a gangrenous necrosis of the loop; the treatment was a sigmoidectomy by Hartmann procedure. Surgical resection is the only therapeutical option for volvulus in advanced stage due to a late diagnosis.

Internal hernia with volvulus and intussusception: case report

An 82-year-old male presented to the hospital because of acute exacerbation of abdominal pain and biliary vomiting. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen was performed. A left paraduodenal hernia associated with volvulus, intussusception, and bowel wall ischemia were radiologically diagnosed. Surgery confirmed the diagnostic imaging findings. We present the first case of an association of these acute abdominal conditions.

Recurrent sigmoid volvulus in a sixteen-year-old boy: case report and review of the literature

The authors describe a 16-year-old boy in whom 3 episodes of sigmoid volvulus (SV) occurred over a period of 7 weeks, each time reduced by endoscopy. The child subsequently underwent a successful sigmoid resection with primary anastamosis. Several months after surgery, he remains free of symptoms and is doing well. A review of the literature illustrates the approach to this problem from ancient times until now.

Primary small bowel volvulus in Nepal

Small bowel volvulus is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. Primary small bowel volvulus occurs without any predisposing cause. It is rare in Western countries but common in Africa and Asia. It is the most common cause of bowel obstruction in Nepal (excluding incarcerated external hernias). Early diagnosis and management is essential to avoid infarction of bowel. Persistent central abdominal pain is characteristic. There is no single specific diagnostic clinical sign or abnormality in laboratory or radiological findings. There is no role of conservative management and, in suspected cases, early laparotomy should be done to avoid bowel infarction. In follow-up patients may present with stricture formation or recurrence of bowel volvulus.

[Jejunal lipomatosis with intussusception and volvulus. A case report]

We report the unusual case of a 48 year old woman with jejunal lipomatosis complicated by intestinal intussusception and volvulus. Showing fatty masses CT allowed accurate diagnosis.

Intestinal rotation anomalies in childhood: review of 22 years' experience

PURPOSE

We review our experience of treating intestinal rotation anomalies in infants and children in the 22-year period between 1978 and 2000.

METHODS

The type of operation performed, postoperative complications, and mortality were compared in three age groups. Group 1 consisted of neonates <1 month old, Group 2 consisted of infants aged <1 year old, and Group 3 consisted of children aged >1 year old.

RESULTS

There were 101 infants and children, with a female : male ratio of 2 : 1. Of the 101 patients, 72 (71%) were neonates, with a mean age of 11.8 days (range 1-28 days); 20 (19.8%) were under the age of 1 year, with a mean age of 6.7 months (range 1-12 months); and 9 (8.9%) were >1 year of age, with a mean age of 6 years (range 1-9 years). Eighty-five (84%) patients underwent emergency procedures. Ladd's operation was performed in all patients, with various additional procedures. The most frequent postoperative complications were adhesive intestinal obstruction, stoma necrosis, evisceration, and short bowel syndrome. The mortality rate was 36% in Group 1, 20% in Group 2, and 0% in Group 3.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series surgery was usually performed as an emergency procedure, with higher morbidity and mortality in newborns than in older infants and children.

Restorative resection of unprepared left-colon in gangrenous vs. viable sigmoid volvulus

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Emergency resection and primary anastomosis of unprepared left-colon is a controversial subject. Although this approach has been reported in several series, there is paucity of data on the relative safety of it in viable vs. gangrenous colon especially when the gut is unprepared.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Case records of 57 consecutive patients with acute sigmoid volvulus were reviewed; there were 27 with gangrenous colon (group G) and 30 with viable colon (group V). All of them had undergone emergency resection and primary anastomosis without on-table lavage or caecostomy.

RESULTS

Group G had a lower mean haemoglobin value (8.4 vs. 9.7 g/dl) and higher incidence of circulatory shock on admission (26% vs. 7%) and required more blood transfusion (85% vs. 53%) than group V. Mean hospital stay (16 vs. 12 days), overall anastomotic leak (15% vs. 27%) and mortality (3.5% vs. 3%) did not differ significantly between the groups. However, the rate of wound infection in Group G was four times greater than that of group V.

CONCLUSION

One-stage restorative resection without on-table lavage or caecostomy appears to be a promising alternative in the emergency management of acute sigmoid volvulus. Comparison of primary anastomosis in gangrenous vs. viable colon did not reveal any significant difference in hospital stay, rate of anastomotic leak or mortality. However, the risk of wound infection was more in patients with gangrenous sigmoid volvulus.

Our sigmoid colon volvulus experience and benefits of colonoscope in detortion process

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The sigmoid colon is the most frequent site for a volvulus. In this report, we review our experience with sigmoid colon volvulus.

METHODOLOGY

We present our experience of 81 cases of sigmoid volvulus admitted to our department.

RESULTS

Preoperative endoscopic volvulus detortion was attempted in all patients, and in 39 of them the procedure was successful. The success rate of endoscopic detortion for sigmoid colon volvulus with a flexible colonoscope (60%) was higher than with a rigid rectosigmoidoscope (42%). In 19 of these 39 non-operatively devolvulated patients, sigmoid resection with primary anastomosis was performed within 7-10 days after reduction, but 20 patients did not accept the elective operation after a non-operative treatment. Among the 61 patients undergoing urgent or elective operation for sigmoid volvulus, there were 17 laparotomies with only detortion, 19 resections with elective anastomosis, 6 resections with primary anastomosis, and 19 resections with a Hartmann's pouch. There were 9 deaths (21%) among 42 patients who underwent an emergency operation, and one (5.2%) among the 19 patients who had elective surgery died because of a cerebral embolus.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial therapy with endoscopy affords decompression and an adequate preparation of patients for surgical resection, and a flexible colonoscope has notable advantages over rigid instruments for the detortion process.

Rare clinical presentation mode of intestinal malrotation after neonatal period: Malabsorption-like symptoms due to chronic midgut volvulus

BACKGROUND

Many different and non-specific clinic presentation modes of malrotation anomalies (MA) have been reported after neonatal period. The authors describe four children with MA presented with malabsorption-like clinical features.

METHODS

Three children aged from 8 months to 7 years, with a history of long-standing diarrhea and failure to thrive attributed to malabsorption, were referred to Department of Pediatric Surgery, for evaluation of suspected MA. Another patient, a 10-year-old boy who was treated for malabsorption for 6 years, presented with acute duodenal obstruction findings. The duration of symptoms averaged 35 months, ranging 8 months to 6 years. All patients had undergone extensive evaluation and empiric trials of different formulas with no improvement in their symptoms. One underwent jejunal biopsy.

RESULTS

Primary presentation complaints were chronic diarrhea and failure to thrive in three patients. Their histories revealed chronic (in one) and intermittent colicky (in two) abdominal pain, and intermittent nonbilious vomiting (in three). The remaining patient presented with acute illness, with chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, and intermittent abdominal pain and vomiting on his history. They were below 30th percentile according to body weight and height. Laboratory studies revealed hypoproteinemia, hypoalbunemia, raised liver function tests, and anemia in all patients. The patient who presented acutely had double-bubble sign on the plain abdominal film obtained at admission. In the other three, plain films obtained during an attack of abdominal pain and/or vomiting revealed findings of partial intestinal obstruction. The diagnosis was confirmed by upper gastrointestinal series. At their laparotomy, a classical type of malrotation with circumstantial evidence of chronic volvulus was noted. All patients had normal laboratory values between postoperative 3 and 5 weeks, and they were up to 30th percentile at the end of the 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Malrotation anomalies should be included in the differential diagnosis in a child presented with malabsorption-like clinical features.

Postoperative management of the large colon volvulus patient

Horses with large colon volvulus (LCV) often require intensive postoperative medical management. Although early referral and surgical intervention are critical for minimal postoperative complications and a successful outcome, this is often not possible for many reasons. Endotoxemia, extensive mucosal damage with subsequent severe hypoproteinemia, and focal ischemic necrosis are the major causes of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Although fluid therapy, flunixin meglumine, and antimicrobials are still the mainstay of perioperative management, synthetic colloids are being used to maintain plasma oncotic pressure, hyperimmune antiendotoxic plasma and polymixin B are being used for management of endotoxemia, and lidocaine and constant rate infusion of butorphanol can be used for postoperative analgesia. The use of heparin, dimethyl sulfoxide, and corticosteroids for management of LCV are still controversial. Future studies are required to investigate nutritional improvement and methods to manage cases after surgery to prevent recurrence.

[Bilious vomiting due to malrotation, also in older children]

Three children presented with bilious vomiting due to malrotation at the age of 3, 5 and 12 years, respectively. They were treated surgically and recovered fully. In the period 1989-2002, 12 patients were operated for malrotation after the first year of life in the Emma Children's Hospital AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The mean age at operation was 5 years (range: 1-15). The most important symptoms were (bilious) vomiting and abdominal pain. Four patients had a history of bilious vomiting in the neonatal period. Nine patients had been previously admitted to a hospital with abdominal complaints. The most sensitive imaging technique was an upper gastrointestinal contrast study. Malrotation with intermittent volvulus can cause recurrent abdominal complaints and vomiting in children. Bilious vomiting is pathologic at any age and should lead to further investigations, preferably an upper gastrointestinal contrast study to exclude malrotation or other obstructions.

[A rare cause of intestinal obstruction after laparoscopic colectomy]

Described here is a case of obstruction of the ileal loop caused by a volvulus forming on an internal hernia through the mesenteric opening following left laparoscopic-assisted hemicolectomy. The clinical radiologic, pathogenic and therapeutic aspects are described with review of the literature.