Three twisted tales: A case series of caecal volvulus

TL;DR

This paper presents three cases of caecal volvulus, a rare but dangerous intestinal condition, and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Contribution

The paper contributes a recent case series of caecal volvulus, emphasizing its variable presentation and the need for updated clinical awareness.

Findings

All three patients underwent successful right hemicolectomies with no complications.

Early detection and intervention are critical to reducing morbidity and mortality.

Outdated data may lead to missed diagnoses in clinical assessments.

Abstract

Caecal volvulus is a form of intestinal obstruction with life-threatening potential. While rare, it represents a perilous aetiology of intestinal blockage, with clinical manifestations spanning from abdominal discomfort to mortality.

We report the cases of three young adults (two males and one female) who presented to the emergency department with different manifestations of severe abdominal pain. All occurred within one month in a tertiary referral centre. Radiological evaluations confirmed the diagnosis of caecal volvulus in all. Subsequently, these individuals underwent right hemicolectomies with end-to-end anastomosis. All experienced an uncomplicated perioperative course.

Caecal volvulus is uncommon, but its yearly incidence is increasing. Early detection and a heightened level of suspicion lead to a timely diagnosis, reducing morbidity and mortality rates.

We report a case series of caecal volvulus, emphasizing its variable presentation and highlighting the critical importance of an early diagnosis. Typically, patients have a history of similar episodes that resolve without any medical intervention. Definitive treatment involves right hemicolectomy while conservative management is associated with very high recurrence rates. Early detection allows for prompt intervention, resulting in reduced morbidity and mortality rates.

•Patients with caecal volvulus typically have a history of similar episodes that resolved spontaneously.•Outdated statistical data can lead physicians not to consider a particular diagnosis in their clinical assessments.•Early detection allows for prompt intervention, resulting in reduced morbidity and mortality rates.

Patients with caecal volvulus typically have a history of similar episodes that resolved spontaneously.

Outdated statistical data can lead physicians not to consider a particular diagnosis in their clinical assessments.

Early detection allows for prompt intervention, resulting in reduced morbidity and mortality rates.

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