Cecal bascule after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology
• Abdominal Surgery

Background:

• Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair is increasingly common, particularly in obese patients.
• Cecal volvulus is a rare but serious complication following abdominal surgery.
• This case details a cecal bascule occurring post-laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.

Observation:

• A 73-year-old male presented with acute abdomen on postoperative day 6 after an uneventful laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.
• Imaging revealed a cecal bascule, a specific form of cecal volvulus.
• Exploratory laparotomy confirmed a cecal bascule complicated by cecal ischemia and perforation.

Findings:

• The patient required an emergency right hemicolectomy due to the ischemic and perforated cecum.
• The cecal bascule was identified as a complication directly related to the prior laparoscopic surgery.
• Risk factors predisposing to postoperative cecal volvulus were discussed.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for rare but severe complications after laparoscopic ventral hernia repair.
• Awareness of cecal volvulus as a postoperative complication is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
• Further research into risk factors and preventative strategies for cecal volvulus post-laparoscopic surgery may be warranted.