Three surgical cases of Situs Inversus Totalis with individual challenges; Case report and literature review

Introduction and Importance

Situs Inversus Totalis (SIT) is a rare congenital condition resulting in the complete reversal of thoracoabdominal solid organs. Although rare, it has a higher prevalence in males with an incidence of 1:10,000. The embryonic rotation of the midgut occurs in the opposite direction, leading to a mirror-image arrangement of all visceral organs in both the thorax and abdomen. While individuals with this condition generally live without complications, its importance lies in the differences and difficulties encountered during operative procedures, particularly organ transplantations.

Case presentation

In this article we have presented 3 cases of situs inversus with different complications, admitted in a month, an 83 year-old woman with cholecystitis, a 46 year-old woman with spontaneous peritonitis caused by peptic ulcer perforation and a 26 year-old young man with volvulus of sigmoid.

Clinical Discussion

We have provided a comprehensive description of this uncommon medical condition, including its various facets and associated complications. Medical literature has been searched to find more relevant information about SITs for better optimal planning in surgery.

Conclusion

Situs Inversus Totalis can create challenges in clinical practice, particularly in surgical procedures, due to the reversal of anatomy. Although it does not inherently cause specific complications, it can complicate the diagnosis and management of certain medical conditions. Accurate imaging is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning. Healthcare professionals must remain vigilant and adaptable when treating patients with SIT.