Spontaneous small bowel volvulus in young adult male

Abstract

Small bowel volvulus is a rare surgical pathology in western countries with a rather misunderstood pathophysiology. This condition refers to the abnormal torsion of the small bowel loops on its mesenteric axis and blockage of the mesenteric vessels, thus leading to bowel obstruction. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain and distention, vomiting and bloody stools. Volvulus can also cause ischemia due to a compromised blood supply. Small bowel volvulus can be life-threatening and require immediate surgery. In this case report, we present a 28-year-old male patient who was admitted to the emergency department with significant, unrelenting abdominal pain and vomiting with no blood. CT scan identified small bowel volvulus and torsion of the mesentery. The biopsy report confirmed no malignancy in this patient. The patient underwent surgery and was discharged 2 days later.

Keywords

• Small bowel volvulus (SBV)
• Abdominal pain
• Intestinal obstruction