12-Year-Old Undergoes Critical Surgery For Rare Cecal Volvulus At Aster Hospital Sharjah

Aster Hospital Sharjah recently performed a critical emergency surgery on 12-year-old Indian national Ms. Devna Anoop. Diagnosed with cecal volvulus, a rare and potentially fatal condition, she was admitted with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and an inability to pass stools. Initially, these symptoms suggested common gastrointestinal issues, but a CT scan revealed the true nature of her condition, necessitating immediate surgery.

Ms. Devna's history includes premature birth and low birth weight, yet she showed remarkable resilience throughout her treatment and recovery. Cecal volvulus is a rare intestinal obstruction where the cecum detaches from the abdominal wall and twists on itself, cutting off blood flow. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent severe complications such as bowel gangrene and cecal perforation.

Successful Surgical Intervention

The emergency surgery lasted approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. The procedure involved untwisting the affected part of the intestine and fixing the cecum to the abdominal wall to prevent future occurrences. The surgical team was led by Dr. Sandeep Tandel and Dr. Abhilash Jayachandran from Aster Hospital Sharjah.

Following the surgery on August 5, 2024, Ms. Devna was closely monitored during her hospital stay of about 72 hours. She was discharged on August 8, 2024, showing no complications. Follow-up appointments on August 13 and August 19 confirmed her continued recovery with proper wound healing and normal bowel function.

Expert Medical Team

Dr. Sandeep Tandel expressed his satisfaction with the outcome: "Cecal volvulus is a rare and serious condition, particularly in children. The timely diagnosis and surgical intervention were crucial in saving Ms. Devna's life." Dr. Mohammed Ilyas, who played a key role in diagnosing the condition, added, "The rarity of cecal volvulus often leads to delayed diagnosis, but our prompt imaging studies were key to identifying it early."

The multidisciplinary team at Aster Hospital Sharjah included Dr. Mohammed Ilyas, Specialist Radiologist; Dr. Ranjana, Specialist Radiologist; Dr. Sandeep Tandel; and Dr. Abhilash Jayachandran, both specialists in laparoscopic and general surgery.

Family's Gratitude

Ms. Devna's father, Mr. Anoop Erathenparambil, expressed his deep gratitude towards the medical team: "We are incredibly thankful to Dr. Tandel, Dr. Ilyas, and the entire team at Aster Hospital Sharjah for their swift action and expertise." He acknowledged their care and dedication in giving his daughter a new lease on life.

Cecal volvulus predominantly affects adults but can occasionally occur in children like Ms. Devna. In adults, it accounts for 1–1.5% of intestinal obstructions with a perioperative mortality rate that can reach up to 40%, depending on bowel viability and intervention speed.

This case underscores the importance of thorough medical evaluation for severe abdominal pain in children where rare conditions like cecal volvulus can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.