Appendicitis and abscess in an adult patient with intestinal nonrotation. Case report

The aim of the article is showing a particular case of midgut nonrotation. It is a congenital defect of the bowel development, during which fails the rotation of 270° around the vascular pedicle. This anomaly causes a different intestinal arrangement: the small bowel is located in the right side of abdominal cavity while the large bowel is situated in the left side. We present a case of acute appendicitis and abscess treated successfully with urgent surgical intervention in a patient completely asymptomatic for nonrotation. Nonrotation may lead to acute symptoms, vague abdominal pain or may remain asymptomatic throughout all life and be discovered only accidentally. Radiological exams and laparoscopy can help to make a correct diagnosis. A conservative treatment could be preferred in asymptomatic patients and Ladd's surgical procedure should be performed in selected cases.