Cecal Volvulus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background: Cecal volvulus is a rare cause of adult intestinal obstruction occurring 2.8- 7.1 persons per million per year. Its rarity and the variety of clinical symptoms may lead to a delay in the diagnosis and appropriate intervention. Case Presentation: Here, we present a 25-year old female patient from a rural area who presented with a 3-day history of colicky abdominal pain and vomiting of bilious intestinal content; she had also developed abdominal distension, failed to pass feces, and flatus. She underwent emergency laparotomy, where the intraoperative finding was a perforated 360 degrees counterclockwise volvulated cecum, and a right hemicolectomy was performed with primary ileotransverse anastomosis. Discussion: Cecal volvulus is the axial rotation of the cecum, ascending colon, and terminal ileum. This can result either in complete or partial obstruction of the affected segment of the intestine with impending vascular compromise and gangrene, which mandates a timely diagnosis and intervention. Conclusion: Cecal volvulus is a rare cause of adult intestinal obstruction, and urgent surgical intervention saves the life of patients.