A Case of Cecal Volvulus Complicated by Chilaiditi Syndrome

Abstract

A 28-year-old woman resident of a nursing home with mental retardation and a history of recurrent abdominal pain was transported to our hospital one morning with acute-onset of abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography showed type 2 cecal volvulus (loop type) and the patient was diagnosed as having Chilaiditi syndrome. Emergent laparoscopic surgery was performed. The wedged cecum between the liver and right diaphragm was released. The twisted ascending colon was rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise and the torsion was released. The intestine showed no signs of necrosis. We fixed the ascending colon to the right lateral abdominal wall with seven stitches. The postoperative course was uneventful. Until over 2 years after the surgery, the patient showed no recurrence of the condition. Provided the condition of the intestine is assessed carefully, laparoscopic cecopexy may be considered as a useful procedure for cecal volvulus without intestinal necrosis.