Caecal volvulus in an incisional hernia

Abstract

Caecal volvulus represents 25–40% of all colonic volvulus. Symptoms include abdominal distension, constipation, nausea and vomiting where it may be intermittent. Abdominal X-rays and computed tomography (CTs) may help with diagnosis and recommended treatment is resection of mobile caecum. A 70-year old comorbid woman with previous open bariatric surgery and known incisional hernia presented with symptoms of bowel obstruction. CT showed caecal volvulus contained within the ventral hernia confirmed intra-operatively. Patient recovered well and was discharged on Day 6 of admission. This is the second case described in literature of a caecal volvulus occurring in an incisional hernia. The altered normal anatomy may have contributed to caecal mobility. Diagnosis of caecal volvulus can be challenging, more so in the presence of a more clinically apparent pathology. We present a second known case of caecal volvulus in a giant incisional hernia, where there were unique challenges to management.