Bascule caecal volvulus: a rare cause of intestinal obstruction

Abstract

Caecal volvulus is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction, with the bascule subtype accounting for <10% of all cases of caecal volvulus. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality if left undiagnosed. We present the case of a 58-year-old female who presented to our surgical department with symptoms of intestinal obstruction. She had various radiological investigations, which supported the diagnosis of a caecal volvulus of the bascule subtype. She was subsequently managed surgically and had a right hemicolectomy and ileocolic anastomosis. Her recovery was uneventful and she was discharged within 1 week of having her operation. Fortunately, caecal volvulus of the bascule subtype is rarely encountered; however, clinicians need to be aware of its presentation and subsequent management options so that clinical outcomes are improved.