Ileoileal knotting as a rare cause of acute abdomen in adolescents

ABSTRACT Introduction: Knotting of bowel loops is a rare cause of acute abdomen and ileoileal knotting is one of the rarest causes, with only a few cases reported mostly in adult literature. Case presentation: We describe cases of ileoileal knotting in 13 and 12-year-old male and female adolescents who presented with crampy abdominal pain, distension, and episodes of vomiting. Both had tachycardia and features of peritonitis. They were explored and gangrenous ileoileal knotting was found. After the knot was disentangled, the gangrenous portion was resected, and ileoileal and ileo-ascending anastomosis were performed respectively. After a smooth postoperative course, the patients were discharged home in good condition. Clinical discussion: The etiopathogenesis of ileoileal knotting is unknown, but speculative mechanisms are proposed, such as loaded bowel with longer mesentery, vigorous peristalsis, and a single bulky meal. The presentation includes abdominal pain and distension, vomiting, and obstipation. Management involves a high index of suspicion and emergent exploration with the majority requiring resection and anastomosis or exteriorization of the involved segment. Conclusion: We discuss these cases of Ileoileal knotting to emphasize that it is a usual intraoperative surprise given the paucity of cases. But sudden and severe abdominal pain and distension, and features of peritonitis in short duration may be considered clues for suspicion. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment and hence, the prognosis depends on early diagnosis and intervention as morbidity and mortality are very high because of the rapid progression to gangrene. Highlights