Torsion of the omentum: A rare cause of acute abdomen.

Omental torsion is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain. Diagnosis of omental torsion is usually difficult because clinical signs and symptoms are similar to other common causes of abdominal pain. The most common preoperative diagnosis is acute appendicitis and the proper preoperative diagnosis is important for the appropriate treatment option. Diagnosis of omental torsion is difficult and mainly based on ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan analysis. Case Presentation: A 26 years old male patient presented to emergency department with acute abdomen mimicking acute appendicitis. The chest and abdominal X-rays were normal. Due to intense clinical signs and worsening of the symptoms the patient underwent an operation with the probable diagnosis of acute appendicitis. In this case patient explored via gridiron incision, the omentum was found to be gangrenous that had encased the appendix so midline incision given. Post-operative recovery was uneventful. Conclusion: Omental torsion is highly uncommon cause of right lower abdominal pain and difficult to diagnose preoperatively. It presents with non-specific symptoms, mimicking other abdominal conditions presenting a similar clinical settings. CT scan is very helpful in diagnosis. Surgical treatment is the procedure of choice with laparoscopy being the preferable approach.

Laparoscopic Management of Primary Omental Torsion

Primary omental torsion is an unusual condition, known for its rarity and for the particularity of being intraoperatively diagnosed, in nearly all cases. At the clinical evaluation, this pathology commonly mimics other etiologies of acute abdomen. Hemoperitoneum and necrosis of the omentum are rarely associated with the omental torsion, but when the association is found, then it means that the vascular injuries are irreversible and the required surgical procedure may be far more complex than simple devolvulus. In search of the treatment of choice, laparoscopy proved its effectiveness as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool, while the open surgery approach can be described in many cases as being too invasive. A 37-year-old female patient presented with the generic symptoms of acute appendicitis. Surgical treatment was initiated. During laparoscopy, the abdomen was attentively explored, highlighting the presence of a twisted omentum with hemoperitoneum and necrosis. Omental excision and peritoneal drainage were performed. The evolution was favorable. Another check-up was done at 6 months postoperatively, displaying no signs or symptoms of relapse.

Primary omental torsion with successful conservative management, a case report.

Primary omental torsion is a rare cause of acute abdomen with no definite consensus for the best management. We report a young male who was successfully managed using a conservative approach. Conservative management should be the first line of management. Laparoscopic resection is indicated after failure of conservative management.