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Ileo-sigmoid knotting in a female Ethiopian patient, a case report
1Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Debre Tabor University, Ethiopia.
Introduction:
Ileo-sigmoid knotting is a very rare cause of bowel obstruction. The diagnosis can be challenging and may not be suspected pre-operatively. A high index of suspicion, especially in areas of the "sigmoid belt" region, can be helpful.
Case Presentation:
A 40-year-old ethnic Amhara female patient presented with symptoms and signs of bowel obstruction. She presented in shock and after resuscitation, laparotomy revealed gangrenous ileum twisted around the sigmoid colon ('ileo-sigmoid knotting'). The gangrenous ileal segment was resected, with end-to-end ileo-ileal anastomosis. The patient had a smooth postoperative course and was discharged on the 4th post-operative day.
Conclusions:
Twisting of the ileum around the sigmoid colon is pathognomonic of ileo-sigmoid knotting. Prompt resuscitation and surgical intervention in the shocked patient with an acute abdomen and evidence of intestinal obstruction could be life-saving.
