Ileosigmoid knotting: an unusual cause of acute intestinal obstruction with bowel gangrene

Abstract

Ileosigmoid knotting (ISK) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction rapidly progressing to bowel gangrene. It is characterised by the wrapping of loops of ileum and sigmoid colon around each other. The condition often remains undiagnosed preoperatively; however, it can be suspected by the triad of small bowel obstruction, radiographic features suggestive of predominately large bowel obstruction and inability to deflate the intestine by a sigmoidoscope. We are reporting a case of 56-year-old man who presented with features of acute intestinal obstruction and compensated shock within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. Exploratory laparotomy revealed ISK resulting in gangrene of ileum and sigmoid colon. In view of haemodynamic instability, end ileostomy was done after excising gangrenous segments. The patient improved and stoma closure and ileocolic anastomosis were done after 3 months in follow-up.