Rare gastric volvulus in 22-month-old child treated successfully at KIMS Cuddles Kurnool
Kurnool, Sept 11 (TNT): Doctors at KIMS Cuddles Kurnool have successfully treated a rare and potentially life-threatening case of gastric volvulus in a 22-month-old child from Kadapa, after the stomach and spleen moved into the chest and the stomach twisted on itself.
The child was brought to the hospital with severe abdominal distension and bleeding from the mouth.
A CT scan showed that the stomach had moved from its normal position into the chest, along with the spleen. A large collection of fluid was also found in the chest and abdomen.
Attempts to drain the collection and place a tube were challenging, and nearly 700 ml of blood-stained fluid was eventually drained, doctors said in a release here on Friday.
Considering the possibility of compromised blood supply to the stomach, the child was taken up for emergency surgery, paediatric surgeon Dr Sai Kiran, who led the surgical team, said.
“During surgery, we found that the stomach had twisted around itself and, along with the spleen, had migrated into the chest through a defect in the diaphragm. The stomach was at risk of losing its blood supply and becoming permanently damaged. Fortunately, the blood supply had not been completely cut off, allowing us to preserve the stomach,” Dr Sai Kiran said.
The surgical team brought the stomach and spleen back to their normal positions and repaired the defect in the diaphragm. The stomach was also secured to reduce the risk of recurrence.
The child required ventilator support following surgery and subsequently developed seizures, which doctors attributed to the effects of toxins on the brain. The child was closely monitored and treated by the paediatric intensive care team.
Dr Vasu Burli, Dr Ravi Kiran, Dr Dilip Satya and Dr Sahithi G were involved in the child’s intensive care and recovery. Radiologist Dr Aravind Reddy and anaesthetist Dr Sruthi Vennela also supported the treatment.
Following coordinated care by the multidisciplinary team and cooperation from the family, the child’s condition gradually improved and the child was discharged from the hospital in good health, doctors said.
Gastric volvulus occurs when the stomach twists around itself. If the twisting cuts off its blood supply, it can lead to tissue death and become life-threatening.
In this case, the condition was associated with a congenital defect in the diaphragm, or diaphragmatic hernia, through which the stomach and spleen had moved into the chest.
Dr Sai Kiran advised parents not to ignore sudden abdominal distension in children. Persistent vomiting, inability to feed, breathing difficulty, severe weakness or changes in consciousness require immediate medical attention.
“Gastric volvulus can progress rapidly when the blood supply to the stomach is compromised. Early diagnosis and emergency intervention are crucial to prevent permanent organ damage and save the child’s life,” he added.
TNT TS
