Colonic volvulus in an adult after childhood Ladd's procedure for malrotation

Abstract

Malrotation and volvulus are encountered early in infancy and sometimes later in childhood, but rarely in adulthood. This ailment is treated through Ladd's adhesiolysis, detorsion, and possibly bowel resection. Literature is scarce on the long-term outcomes of this procedure, especially into adulthood. We present a case report of an adult female with a history of a laparotomy as a child for a bowel obstruction secondary to malrotation, presenting with an obstruction and colonic volvulus, secondary to an adhesive band, requiring emergent surgery. The patient did well postoperatively without complications. In adult patients presenting with a bowel obstruction and a consistent history in childhood, recurrence of volvulus should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis through a detailed history and assessment.