Vólvulo de ciego / Volvulus of the caecum

ABSTRACT

Valvulus of the caecum constitutes an uncommon cause of surgical obstructive acute abdomen. It is originated in the torsion of a mobile segment of the colon, surrounding its mesenteric axis. The caecum is the second most frequent localization, after the sigmoid colon. The usual picture of volvulus of the caecum is of an acute, complete intestinal obstruction with enormous abdominal distention. Patients who develop this form of volvulus possess a caecum and ascending colon with a free mesenterium. Unless this entity is early recognized, it can progress to a colonic ischemia, perforation, sepsis and death. The definitve surgical treatment is the right hemicolectomy. An illustrative case is reported, with a complete description of the clinical features and the surgical management performed.