[Cecal volvulus: anatomical bases and physiopathology]

The aim of this study was to report on 7 cases of cecal volvulus and to evaluate anatomical variations allowing this pathology.

7 consecutive patients (4 women) treated for cecal volvulus were included. The clinical and paraclinical parameters, the management of patients, were studied through an analysis of medical histories. Contributing factors for cecal volvulus were analysed by an anatomical study and literature analysis.

all patients complained about abdominal pain associating or not to acute intestinal obstruction. The diagnosis was radiographically carried out for 3 patients. All patients were treated by surgical procedures (right colectomy: n = 6, cecopexy: n = 1). The mortality and morbidity rates were 0 percent and 28 percent. Fifteen anatomical subjects had complete dorsal fixation (75 percent). Seven out of them had retrocecal recessus. Five subjects (25%) had a non fixed cecum, according to the literature relating a non-fixation of ascending colon to parietal peritoneum in 11 to 25 percent of the cases. The main factor of risk is the female gender.

cecal volvulus can be advocated for patients having abdominal pain. The diagnosis is rarely based on an only clinical examination or abdominal radiographs alone. Tomodensitometry is most performing examination for diagnosis. An early and appropriate management of patients is necessary to avoid significant morbidity and mortality rates.