Small bowel volvulus with no malrotation after laparoscopic appendicectomy: Case report and literature review

Small bowel volvulus, as a complication of laparoscopic surgery, is a rarely reported clinical entity. We present a case of a young female who developed small intestinal volvulus after laparoscopic appendicectomy. She had this complication in the absence of malrotation or other previous abdominal operations.

A 17-year-old woman presented with acute appendicitis. After an uneventful laparoscopic appendicectomy, she developed acute small intestinal obstruction on the second post-operative day. A prompt laparotomy showed small bowel volvulus, which was reduced, with no evidence of malrotation. She had an uneventful recovery and was discharged within 3 days of the second operation, in a stable condition.

This article presents a review of the literature of this rare cause of small intestinal obstruction after laparoscopic surgery, stressing on the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. A discussion of the potential factors predisposing to this entity is presented, emphasising the need of a higher-evidence study as to its aetiology and prevalence.

Small bowel volvulus is a rare complication of laparoscopic surgery, but its early diagnosis and prompt treatment is essential to avoid morbid outcomes. Surgery is the therapeutic mainstay.