Perforated caecal volvulus: an unusual complication after anterior resection for colorectal carcinoma

To discuss an unusual and rare complication of perforated caecal volvulus (CV) following open anterior resection.

A retrospective review of the case notes of a patient.

CV is a well known but rare cause of bowel obstruction. Chronic constipation, distal colonic obstruction and post-operative ileus are potentially aggravating factors for the development of CV in anatomically susceptible patients. The anatomical susceptibility for CV was noticed during the first operation but prophylactic caecopexy was not performed due to lack of evidence in the literature. This patient developed CV after anterior resection and subsequently underwent a second laparotmy for right hemicolectomy.

CV is a known but rare case of postoperative bowel obstruction. The role of prophylactic caecopexy could be discussed in order to avoid the development of postoperative CV in anatomically susceptible patients.