The importance of detailed diagnostic assessment in a case of partial situs inversus

Partial situs inversus is not necessarily symptomatic: however, recent experience with a child affected by this condition and polysplenia led us to reconsider the approach to such cases. The collection of as much pre operative information as possible is desirable in order to delineate a correct surgical approach. In particular, the presence of gastrointestinal anomalies, e.g., duodenal dilatation, should be assessed individually, since they are virtually always pathological and not necessarily related to the situs inversus. At laparotomy all of the intra-abdominal contents should be carefully assessed.