International Health Sciences Journal
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): IHSJ Fourth Issue

Omental Torsion Triggered by Abdominal Massage in Acute Appendicitis: A Case Report

Dzaka Ogan Amirudin Lutfi (Clinical Medicine, Facult of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta)
Raden Tri Gunawan Wibowo (Department of Surgery, Yogyakarta Hospital)
Muhammad Akmal Fauzi (Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Syahriyatur Amaliyah (Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Nazwa Sheika Nabila (Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Sep 2026

Abstract

Background: Omental torsion is a rare condition that can cause acute abdominal pain similar to appendicitis, making preoperative diagnosis difficult. Abdominal massage, although commonly used as a complementary therapy to relieve pain and digestive disorders, has the potential to increase intra-abdominal pressure, which can trigger serious complications, including omental torsion. Case description: A 29-year-old man came to the surgical clinic of the Yogyakarta Hospital with 18 hours of abdominal pain that began in the upper abdomen and then moved to the right lower quadrant, with a history of self-administered abdominal massage. The patient underwent emergency laparoscopy, which revealed a hyperemic appendix and a twisted and necrotic greater omentum. Laparoscopic appendectomy and omentectomy were performed. Anatomic pathology confirmed the diagnosis of acute appendicitis and omental torsion. This simultaneous occurrence is rarely reported and poses clinical and radiological diagnostic challenges. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential risk of intense abdominal massage as a trigger for omental torsion, especially in individuals with anatomical predispositions such as obesity or intra-abdominal adhesions. Therefore, caution is required when performing abdominal massage, particularly in patients with acute abdominal pain. Early treatment through laparoscopy provides a definitive diagnosis and adequate therapy, avoiding life-threatening complications. This study adds insight into the potential interaction between massage therapy and omental complications, as well as the need for public and medical education regarding the risks of abdominal massage in conditions of intra-abdominal inflammation.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

go

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Physics Public Health

Description

International Health Sciences Journal (IHSJ) contains manuscripts of Health Sciences which include: midwifery and nursing holistically, including complementary care, herbal, traditional medicine, physiological, psychological, and sociocultural therapy, spiritual, both in nursing management, medical ...