Torsion of the Greater Omentum: A Mimicker of Acute Appendicitis

Cureus. 2023 Apr 26;15(4):e38165. doi: 10.7759/cureus.38165. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Torsion of the greater omentum is rare and difficult to diagnose preoperatively. There are operative or non-operative treatment options. Operative management is often done for patients with abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant because omental torsion is misdiagnosed as appendicitis. If omental torsion is accurately diagnosed, previous reports suggest that symptoms may improve 12-120 hours after non-operative management of a primary omental torsion. Here, we report a successful case of surgical treatment for torsion of the greater omentum after non-operative treatment was ineffective. Thus, considering the severity of the pain and operative risk, a laparoscopic omentectomy may be feasible to relieve the severe abdominal pain promptly.

Keywords: laparoscopic surgery; mimicker of acute appendicitis; omental torsion; secondary omental torsion; torsion of the greater omentum.

Publication types

  • Case Reports