Related Experiment Videos
Volvulus of the transverse and sigmoid colon
Insights
Large-bowel volvulus (LBV) in children, often linked to congenital colon fixation issues, requires surgical resection and anastomosis for definitive treatment. This case highlights successful management in a pediatric patient with cerebral palsy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Volvulus Pathophysiology
Background:
- Large-bowel volvulus (LBV) is uncommon in children, often associated with underlying conditions.
- Congenital anomalies in colonic fixation are implicated as a primary cause of LBV in pediatric populations.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old male with cerebral palsy presented with symptoms of transverse and sigmoid colon volvulus.
- The patient experienced significant gastrointestinal distress necessitating surgical intervention.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the affected transverse and sigmoid colon segments was performed.
- Primary colocolic and colorectal anastomoses were successfully achieved, leading to an uneventful recovery.
Implications:
- This case underscores that surgical resection and primary anastomosis represent the definitive treatment for pediatric LBV.
- Understanding the role of congenital fixation defects is crucial for diagnosing and managing LBV in children.
- Constipation may be a consequence rather than a cause of LBV in pediatric cases.
Abstract:
A case of transverse and sigmoid-colon volvulus and a discussion of the probable mechanism of large-bowel volvulus (LBV) in children and its management is presented. A 5-year-old male with cerebral palsy presented with transverse-colon and subsequently sigmoid volvulus. The child underwent resection of the involved segments with primary colocolic and colorectal anastomosis, respectively. The recovery was uneventful. LBV in children is due to congenital anomalous or absent ligamentous fixation of the colon. Constipation is probably the result of the volvulus. Resection of the involved segment and primary anastomosis is the definitive treatment.