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

Abstract

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.