World Journal of Emergency Surgery

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Transverse colon volvulus in a 15 year old boy and the review of the literature

Goher Rahbour1, Abraham Ayantunde1*, Muhammad R Ullah2, Sobia Arshad1 and Rajab Kerwat1

Author Affiliations

1 Department of General Surgery, Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, DA14 6LT, UK

2 Department of Orthopaedics, Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, DA14 6LT, UK

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World Journal of Emergency Surgery 2010, 5:19 doi:10.1186/1749-7922-5-19

Published: 2 July 2010

Abstract

We report a rare case of transverse colon volvulus in a fifteen year old boy with a review of the literature. This brings the total number of pediatric cases reported in the English literature to fifteen. This case is unusual in that no aetiological factor has been found, in contrast to the majority of the pediatric cases. Diagnosis can be challenging and the effective management remains controversial. The various radiological imaging modalities are presented. The epidemiology, aetiology, diagnosis and management of transverse colon volvulus are discussed. It is important to highlight this case and those in the literature, as many surgeons may never have seen a single case of transverse colon volvulus. It may therefore not be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent intermittent abdominal pain or acute intestinal obstruction.