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Small intestinal volvulus caused by loose surgical staples
Matthew P Page1, Heung Bae Kim, Steven J Fishman
1Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|September 9, 2009
Summary
Small intestinal volvulus is rare in adolescents and can be caused by surgical complications. This case highlights free surgical staples causing volvulus after a laparoscopic appendectomy.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Small intestinal volvulus is uncommon in pediatric and adolescent populations.
- Iatrogenic causes are frequently implicated in non-infantile cases.
Observation:
- An adolescent male presented with symptoms suggestive of small bowel obstruction.
- Previous surgical history included a laparoscopic appendectomy.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with small intestinal volvulus.
- Free intraperitoneal surgical staples were identified as the causative agent.
- The volvulus was secondary to the presence of these surgical staples.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for delayed complications from laparoscopic procedures.
- Awareness of retained surgical materials is crucial for diagnosing rare causes of bowel obstruction.
- Highlights the importance of meticulous surgical technique and intraoperative assessment.
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