Doctors at KIMS Cuddles Kurnool successfully treated a rare and potentially life-threatening case of gastric volvulus in a 22-month-old boy from Kadapa. The child presented with severe abdominal distension and bleeding from the mouth after his stomach and spleen had moved into the chest and the stomach had twisted on itself.
Emergency Surgery Prevents Organ Damage
A CT scan showed that the stomach had moved into the chest through a defect in the diaphragm, along with the spleen. The child also had significant fluid collection in the chest and abdomen. Nearly 700 ml of blood-stained fluid was drained after initial attempts to place a tube proved challenging.
As per the press release, doctors suspected compromised blood supply to the stomach and performed emergency surgery. Dr Sai Kiran, Paediatric Surgeon, who led the surgical team, said the stomach had twisted around itself and, together with the spleen, had migrated into the chest through the diaphragmatic defect.
The surgical team returned the stomach and spleen to their normal positions, repaired the diaphragmatic opening and secured the stomach to prevent recurrence.
Intensive Care and Recovery
Following surgery, the child required ventilator support and developed seizures, which were managed by the paediatric intensive care team. Dr Vasu Burli, Dr Ravi Kiran, Dr Dilip Satya and Dr Sahithi G. contributed to his intensive care and recovery, while Dr Aravind Reddy, Radiologist, and Dr Sruthi Vennela, Anaesthetist, supported the treatment.
With coordinated multidisciplinary care, the child gradually improved and was discharged in good health.
Early Diagnosis is Critical
Gastric volvulus occurs when the stomach twists around itself and can become life-threatening if the blood supply is cut off. In this case, the condition was associated with a congenital diaphragmatic defect that allowed the stomach and spleen to move into the chest.
Dr Sai Kiran advised parents to seek immediate medical attention for sudden abdominal distension, persistent vomiting, feeding difficulty, breathing problems, severe weakness or changes in consciousness, as early diagnosis and emergency treatment can prevent permanent organ damage.