Colonic volvulus after laparoscopic left colectomy

Abstract

Volvulus of the mobilized colon after laparoscopic left colectomy is rare. Contributing factors seem to be excessive length of the mobilized colon, absence of peritonization and absence of adhesions due to laparoscopy. Onset of colonic volvulus after laparoscopic left colectomy should lead to routine computerized tomography (CT), searching for an image suggestive of small intestinal incarceration under the neo-mesocolon, which might be an additional risk factor. Treatment consists of disincarceration of the small intestines while closing the mesocolic defect remains a subject of controversy.

Keywords: Colectomy; Colon; Laparoscopy; Volvulus.