title: Rectal volvulus following laparoscopic left hemicolectomy.
abstract: A 60-year-old lady with a history of Dukes B2 (T3N0M0) colorectal cancer presented some 2 years following a laparoscopic left hemicolectomy with a 4-day history of absolute constipation. A plain radiograph demonstrated large bowel obstruction, and subsequent CT of the abdomen showed the level of the obstruction to be at the rectum. Initially the aetiology was believed to be recurrence at the site of the anastomosis; however, subsequent review of the imaging and indeed endoscopic examination of the rectum showed it to be volvulus. This was initially treated with endoscopic decompression and later by the insertion of a flatus tube to good effect. The patient was discharged 3 days later with no recurrence of her symptoms at 2 months.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. paulsutton01@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: Paul Anthony
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Sutton
authors.forename: Han Sian
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Islah
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Din
authors.forename: Dale
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vimalachandran
mesh_terms: D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods*; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D003248:Constipation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D045822:Intestinal Volvulus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed