Acute transverse colon volvulus with secondary gastric isquemia. Case report

Acute colonic volvulus accounts for 10% of all intestinal obstructions being the transverse colon volvulus an exceptional localization (2-4%). Late diagnosis is made as there are no pathognomonic clinical or radiological findings for this pathology. We present the case of an 81 year-old male with acute transverse colon volvulus that involved the gastric antrum causing irreversible ischemia. Subtotal gastrectomy, subtotal colectomy and reconstruction with Y en Roux gastrojejunostomy and ileosigmoid anastomosis was performed given the good overall status of the patient. Decompressive colonoscopy is not advised given the high probability of ischemic lesions in these cases; surgical exploration is mandatory in these circumstances. Surgical detortion with or without colopexia carries important recurrence rates. Treatment of choice includes colectomy with or without primary anastomosis. There are no reports on gastric ischemic necrosis in the setting of a transverse colon volvulus making this case unusual and unique.