Intestinal obstruction from midgut volvulus after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A report of an unusual complication

Surg Endosc. 1999 Dec;13(12):1234-5. doi: 10.1007/pl00009628.

Abstract

Congenital midgut malrotation, a rare anatomic anomaly that can lead to duodenal or small bowel obstruction, rarely is recognized beyond the first year of life. We report a case of unrecognized congenital midgut malrotation that resulted in midgut volvulus, causing intestinal obstruction and requiring emergent reoperation after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This unusual complication, first reported in 1994, involved a 56-year-old man and resulted in cecal infarction recognized and treated on the second postoperative day. This second case describes a less acute postoperative course, with multiple bouts of partial bowel obstruction leading to two readmissions and finally resulting in a reexploration and definitive treatment on the 19th postoperative day.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / adverse effects*
  • Cholecystitis / surgery
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology*
  • Intestinal Obstruction / surgery
  • Intestines / abnormalities*
  • Male
  • Reoperation