Small bowel volvulus in a patient with chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction

Chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIIP) is a rare syndrome of ineffectual gut motility associated with clinical, endoscopic and radiological exclusion of mechanical causes, as well as evidence of air–fluid levels in distended bowel loops. A case of small bowel volvulus in a patient with an established diagnosis of CIIP is presented. The case is illustrated by images of operative findings and computed tomography scan reconstruction, showing the classical appearances of small bowel volvulus. The patient recovered well after surgery and is maintained on parenteral nutrition. CIIP is a heterogeneous disorder in which the primary aims of management are nutrition, pain control and the avoidance of unnecessary repeated laparotomies. However, even in the presence of an established diagnosis of CIIP, surgeons should be vigilant to the possibility that an operable mechanical obstruction may still occur.