EP.TU.425Visceroptosis - obsolete condition or missed opportunity to intervene early?

Abstract

Visceroptosis is defined as displacement or prolapse of abdominal organs below their natural position, most commonly stomach - gastroptosis - or bowel - enteroptosis. It is also known as Glenard's disease, first described in 1885, when there is evidence of generalised visceroptosis. The aetiology of visceroptosis remains unknown, however some authors have suggested this condition to result from weakness of the ligaments that hold the abdominal organs in their anatomical place. Although patients with visceroptosis are often asymptomatic, this condition can also present with various gastrointestinal symptoms depending on its severity. The most common symptoms reported include anorexia, severe constipation or diarrhoea, abdominal distention, gastroparesia, nausea, intractable abdominal pain. The aim of this study is to review the most updated literature reporting cases of visceroptosis, the diagnostic approach and its subsequent management, encouraging all surgeons to be more attentive towards and accurately identify visceroptotic habitus. Method(s): Literature review using PubMed, Web of science and other reliable sources using the possible combinations of the following key words: visceroptosis, gastroptosis, enteroptosis, gastrointestinal complications, surgery. Result(s): Current literature is scant regarding this unusual presentation and it is often referred as a rare complication of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Due to its rarity, it often remains underdiagnosed potentially leading to sub-optimal treatment of patients, and ultimately significant morbidity and mortality. Conclusion(s): We believe this condition should be repopularised as serious complications such as visceral torsion might arise from it which may require immediate surgical treatment, affecting quality of life and a high rate of relapses after surgical procedures.