Primary ileal volvulus: a rare twist in an elderly patient-case report

Small bowel volvulus is a rare entity and it is even rarer for the ileum to undergo torsion without any known predisposing factors. It presents as acute abdomen with features of intestinal obstruction. As it is a life-threatening condition, it should be kept as a differential for small bowel obstruction despite its rarity. Therefore, we report this case.

A 60-year-old gentleman presented to our emergency department with a 2-day history of worsening abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal distension and obstipation. Exploratory laparotomy was done which revealed ileal volvulus with no predisposing factors. Derotation of the segment was done. The postoperative period was uneventful and on follow up after a month, he had a satisfying recovery.

Though primary ileal volvulus is a rare diagnosis, it should be kept in mind in any patient with small bowel obstruction with pain out of proportion and resistant to opioid management. Early diagnosis and urgent surgical intervention is the key to prevent bowel necrosis and associated morbidity and mortality.