Laparoscopic management of Chilaiditi’s syndrome

Chilaiditi’s syndrome refers to the symptoms of abdominal pain, distention, vomiting, anorexia, and constipation caused by hepatodiaphragmatic interposition of the intestine. Although patients with this radiographic finding are commonly asymptomatic, presentation with symptoms is rare and accurately refers to this syndrome. There is an increased incidence of Chilaiditi’s syndrome among mentally ill adults. Traditionally, Chilaiditi’s syndrome is managed medically by discontinuing causative medicines. However, among the mentally ill population whose psychotropic medications precipitate the interposition of the colon, ceasing these psychotropic medications is not an appropriate option. The case presented involves a mentally ill patient with Chilaiditi’s syndrome who was successfully managed with laparoscopic colopexy. At follow-up, the patient reported marked improvement of abdominal symptoms.