Paediatric gangrenous caecal volvulus

Abstract

Caecal volvulus though common in adults is rare in children. A 10-year-old boy presented with abdominal pain, distension, vomiting and obstipation of acute onset. An exploratory aparotomy revealed a gangrenous caecal volvulus due to an elongated and mobile right colon. This was treated by a right hemicolectomy and an ileotransverse anastomosis. He recovered uneventfully. Caecal volvulus should be considered in cases of intestinal obstruction even in the pediatric age group.