Intestinal volvulus is a common cause of mechanical intestinal obstruction (MIO) in Africa. Sigmoid volvulus has been well characterized in both high-income and low-income countries, but there is also a predilection for small bowel volvulus in sub-Saharan Africa.

An analysis was performed of the Kamuzu Central Hospital Acute Care Surgery Registry from 2013 to 2019 on patients presenting with intestinal volvulus. Bivariate analysis was performed for covariates based on the intestinal volvulus type. Multivariate Poisson regression models estimated the relative risk of volvulus and mortality.

A total of 4352 patients were captured in the registry. Overall, 1037 patients (23.8%) were diagnosed with MIO. Intestinal volvulus accounted for 499 (48.1%) of patients with MIO. Sigmoid volvulus, midgut volvulus, ileosigmoid knotting, and cecal volvulus accounted for 57.7% (n = 288), 19.8% (n = 99), 20.8% (n = 104), and 1.6% (n = 8), respectively. Mean age was 46.8 years (SD 17.2) with a male preponderance (n = 429, 86.0%) and 14.8% (n = 74) mortality. Overall, the most common operations performed were large bowel (n = 326, 74.4%) and small bowel (n = 76, 16.7%) resections with 18.0% (n = 90) ostomy formation. Upon regression modeling, the relative risk for volvulus was 2.7 times higher in men than women after controlling for season and age. There was no statistically significant difference in the relative risk of mortality based on the type of volvulus.

Volvulus is a significant cause of primary bowel obstruction in sub-Saharan Africa. Type of intestinal volvulus is not associated increased risk of mortality. Reasons for increases in the incidence of small bowel volvulus are still largely undetermined.

Sigmoid volvulus is a common condition throughout much of the world. To this date, there are no adequately controlled clinical trials examining the role of anatomy in sigmoid volvulus. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if the anatomic dimensions of the sigmoid colon differ in sigmoid volvulus compared to controls. This prospective case-control study was conducted at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi. Cases included individuals 18 years or older with surgically confirmed sigmoid volvulus, while controls included individuals undergoing surgery for reasons unrelated to the descending or sigmoid colon, or rectum. Intraoperative measurements of the sigmoid colon were taken, including mesosigmoid root width and mesosigmoid length. A total of 26 cases and 12 controls were enrolled. When compared to controls, the mesosigmoid of cases had a greater length and maximal width; however, mesosigmoid root width was similar between groups. These findings support the assertion that sigmoid volvulus is due to a long and wide mesosigmoid that rotates on a constant mesosigmoid root width. This is the first adequately controlled trial examining anatomy in sigmoid volvulus and provides strong evidence that refines prior hypotheses regarding the anatomic basis of sigmoid volvulus.

Sigmoid volvulus is the third most common cause of colonic obstruction in the United States after cancer and diverticulitis. Etiologic factors include anatomic variation, chronic constipation, neurologic disease, and megacolon. Management of sigmoid volvulus involves relief of obstruction and the prevention of recurrent attacks; the outcome depends on the population and selection of patients. Although volvulus is uncommon, it may be encountered during pregnancy and is a condition that poses significant risk to both mother and fetus requiring a management strategy that varies with each trimester.

Emergency resection and primary anastomosis of unprepared left-colon is a controversial subject. Although this approach has been reported in several series, there is paucity of data on the relative safety of it in viable vs. gangrenous colon especially when the gut is unprepared.

Case records of 57 consecutive patients with acute sigmoid volvulus were reviewed; there were 27 with gangrenous colon (group G) and 30 with viable colon (group V). All of them had undergone emergency resection and primary anastomosis without on-table lavage or caecostomy.

Group G had a lower mean haemoglobin value (8.4 vs. 9.7 g/dl) and higher incidence of circulatory shock on admission (26% vs. 7%) and required more blood transfusion (85% vs. 53%) than group V. Mean hospital stay (16 vs. 12 days), overall anastomotic leak (15% vs. 27%) and mortality (3.5% vs. 3%) did not differ significantly between the groups. However, the rate of wound infection in Group G was four times greater than that of group V.

One-stage restorative resection without on-table lavage or caecostomy appears to be a promising alternative in the emergency management of acute sigmoid volvulus. Comparison of primary anastomosis in gangrenous vs. viable colon did not reveal any significant difference in hospital stay, rate of anastomotic leak or mortality. However, the risk of wound infection was more in patients with gangrenous sigmoid volvulus.

Between January 1995 and December 2000, 197 patients (44.97%) were treated for sigmoid volvulus at Bankura Medical College and Hospital, Bankura, West Bengal, India. The mean age was 45.06 years and the male to female ratio was 2.07:1. The various aetiological factors, clinical features and management have been reviewed. Abdominal distension with obstipation was the common clinical presentation. Straight X-ray of the abdomen suggested the diagnosis. Management included celiotomy and primary resection and anastomosis without intra-operative lavage in 196 patients and sigmoidopexy in one patient. The overall mortality rate was 1.01%. There was only one recurrence in the patients who had undergone sigmoidopexy. Primary resection and anastomosis at initial presentation proved a safe operative treatment and avoided unnecessary repeated hospitalization.

Twenty-six cases of colonic volvulus from the University of Kentucky Medical Center and the Lexington Veterans Administration Hospital, covering a ten-year period, are presented. Overall mortality was 19 per cent (5 of 26 patients). Cecal volvulus carried the greatest mortality, 30 per cent (3 of 10 patients), whereas sigmoidal volvulus had relatively low mortality rate of 7 per cent (1 or 15). A single patient who had volvulus of the transverse colon died. The most significant factor leading to death was not necrotic bowel but the necessity for emergency operation in these generally debilitated patients. A plan of management with the major aim to convert emergency situations into elective or urgent ones is presented with the expectation that the mortality rate can be improved.

A prospective study was carried out in a university hospital to evaluate the results of extraperitonealization of the sigmoid colon in non-gangrenous sigmoid volvulus. Eighty-eight patients with non-gangrenous sigmoid volvulus were operated upon using the technique of extraperitonealization of the sigmoid colon. There was no recurrence of the volvulus at 1 to 6 years follow up but 8 patients (9.1%) had constipation and 2 patients (2.2%) had distension of the lower abdomen. Extraperitonealization of the sigmoid colon is a reasonable non-resection alternative for non-gangrenous sigmoid volvulus and has minimal morbidity, mortality and no recurrence in our series.

Fifty-eight cases of colonic volvulus were reviewed including 30 cases of sigmoid volvulus, 27 cases of cecal volvulus, and 1 of transverse colon volvulus. Decompression procedures were attempted in 31 instances of sigmoid volvulus in 27 patients and were successful 25 times (81 percent). Seven patients with sigmoid volvulus did not undergo surgery and of those, two died of unrelated causes, one was lost to follow-up, one was well, and three had recurrent volvulus. Twenty-four operations were performed on 23 patients and there were three deaths (13 percent mortality). There was one recurrence in two patients who underwent simple detorsion. Chronic large-bowel motility disturbances were a persistent problem in 9 of 20 (45 percent) surgical survivors. Among 27 instances of cecal volvulus, one was reduced by contrast enema and ten endoscopic attempts at decompression were unsuccessful. Twenty-six operations were done and there were four operative deaths (15 percent mortality). There were no recurrences. Large-bowel motility disorders were noted in follow-up in 3 of 22 patients (14 percent). Overall there were 10 deaths in 58 patients for a 17 percent mortality rate. These data support the importance of endoscopic decompression for sigmoid volvulus but not for cecal volvulus. Definitive treatment of both forms of volvulus should include assessment of colonic motility.

The elderly patient with acute abdominal disease may present with a classical clinical picture. However, the presentation often is atypical and perplexes the physician. The factors involved include altered anatomical features, fear of being placed in an institution, difficulty in communicating with the physician and family members, diminished response to infection, and multiple coexisting diseases. Awareness of the atypical clinical presentations and the judicious use of special investigations will enable the clinician to make earlier and more accurate diagnoses and, thus, reduce morbidity and mortality.

We reviewed the records of 51 patients over 65 years of age admitted for an initial episode of sigmoid volvulus, and adequate information about their subsequent course was obtained in 92 percent. Nonoperative reduction of the initial volvulus was attempted in 43 patients and was successful in 39 (91 percent). Eleven patients required emergency operations, with a mortality rate of 36 percent. Six patients had elective resections with no deaths. Thirty-three patients, 32 after nonoperative reduction of a volvulus and 1 after operative reduction, were discharged without definitive treatment. Twenty-three of the 33 patients (70 percent) managed by expectant observation had one or more episodes of recurrent volvulus. Five of the 23 patients died from the recurrence without operation, and 16 were operated on either emergently (3 patients) or electively (13 patients) after nonoperative reduction. The mortality rate related to recurrent volvulus or its treatment in the 33 patients observed was 21 percent. The mortality rate for 18 elective resections (6 for initial volvulus and 12 for recurrent volvulus) was 5.6 percent. After successful nonoperative reduction of a sigmoid volvulus in elderly patients, maximal survival is achieved by early elective resection. Age alone is not an adequate reason for adopting a nonoperative approach.

Lymph node lesions attributable to ischaemia are described in the mesenteric nodes from 10 patients with volvulus of the small and large bowel. Frank infarction, the microanatomy of which differs from that seen in superficial lymph nodes, is one of the nodal lesions evoked by ischaemia. Two others in the form of lymphocyte depletion and capsular hypervascularity also appear to result from vascular occlusion. These three lesions were also found in nodes associated with 'primary' venous and arterial infarction of the bowel mucosa, but not in non-vascular diseases of the small bowel or colon. The enhanced frequency of infarction in volvulus with mucosal necrosis, as opposed to cases with 'primary' vascular thromboses suggest that ischaemic lymph node changes are more frequent when several sets of vessels are occluded. Distension of lymph node sinuses, erythrocyte extravasation, and dilatation of small intranodal vessels were not restricted to vascular cases, and appear to be less specific reactions to ischaemia. The range of ischaemia-induced reactions is wider than has hitherto been recognized in human lymph nodes.

Sigmoid volvulus usually affects the elderly, but it is being increasingly described in a younger age group. In these patients the diagnosis is often delayed, due to a prolonged and intermittent history. Three patients, of 31,36, and 67 years, are described here, and they demonstrate an increased incidence within families, which has not been previously recognized. Awareness of this possibility may allow earlier diagnosis when investigating young patients with intermittent abdominal symptoms, whose relatives are known to be affected.

A concept of the aetiology of intestinal volvulus is presented based on the fact that bowel when distended becomes elongated. The antimesenteric border of the bowel elongates more than the mesenteric border and this provides the driving force which initiates and sustains the volvulus. It is, therefore, a secondary event resulting from distention.

One is tempted to believe that volvulus in elderly patients on many occasions may be preceded by inactivity and pseudomegacolon. Owing to psychiatric problems, chronic illness, or institutionalization, the patient is more likely to be subjected to treatment with sedatives and psychotropic drugs, causing decreased neuromuscular function of the gut. The basic principles in treating the volvulus are releasing the volvulus, deciding whether a nonoperative or an operative procedure should be employed, and treating complications. As far as surgical management is concerned, several techniques have been suggested, some of which are still controversial. Colonoscopy appears to have become an important method of treatment for volvulus with clearly established indications. Oddly enough, already hospitalized patients are occasionally subjected to delayed attention for volvulus. Therefore, physicians responsible for the care of geriatric patients should be alerted by even fairly mild symptoms of distention, abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. Clinical evaluation, including routine films of the abdomen, may avert a major catastrophe.

Sigmoid volvulus is often a surgical emergency. The diagnosis is usually reached on the basis of both clinical and radiologic assessment. A review of the radiologic findings in 20 patients diagnosed as having sigmoid volvulus is presented. Typical radiographic features are illustrated. Reasons for their absence in certain cases are discussed. [Key words: Volvulus, sigmoid; Diagnostic problems; Sigmoid, volvulus].

One hundred and thirty-four patients with acute sigmoid volvulus are analysed. When the diagnosis is made preoperatively, decompression per rectum is effective in 85 per cent of cases, and should be the initial treatment of choice unless gangrene of the bowel is suspected. In this situation emergency laparotomy should be performed and where gangrenous bowel is confirmed a Hartmann resection appears to be associated with a low mortality and least complications. When the sigmoid loop is found to be viable, it should still be resected. The merits and pitfalls of various procedures in this situation are discussed.

A retrospective study of 316 patients with a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction admitted to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital over a 5 year period is presented. The overall mortality was 10.6 percent. Attention is called to the unacceptably high morbidity and mortality associated with volvulus in this and other series. Because the most common cause of intestinal obstruction in Africa is strangulation, a preventable complication of inguinal hernia, the clinician has a unique opportunity to significantly decrease the incidence of intestinal obstruction in Africa. Finally, our study confirms that the single most important antecedent of a grave prognosis in intestinal obstruction is late presentation of the patient.

Three patients had recurrences of left-sided colonic volvulus after allegedly total resections of redundant sigmoid loops. All three patients had chronic, acquired megacolon. Other instances of late recurrence of volvulus after sigmoidectomy are documented in the literature. Sigmoidectomy may be an inadequate operation for sigmoid volvulus in younger patients and/or in patients with severe chronic megacolon. The decision to perform an interval operation and the selection of the type of operation must take this into account.

Five cases of volvulus of the transverse colon are presented. Two distinct clinical types are noted and discussed, each with a significantly different mortality. The level of volvulus dictates the limitations of diagnostic aides and appropriate treatment.

Sigmoid volvulus is a well-recognized clinical entity, occurring more commonly in the male in middle or old age. In younger age groups the diagnosis is therefore often delayed. We report here 11 patients of an average age of 31 years (range 12-57 years), with a preponderance of females (7 : 4), who have presented to us in the past 2 years with intermittent sigmoid volvulus. The average age at onset of initial symptoms was 26 years. All had the diagnosis confirmed radiologically by colonoscopy or at operation. The diagnostic features of the condition are described.

A technique of mesocoloplasty for the prevention of recurrence of sigmoid volvulus is described. The manoeuvre is simple, and does not open the gut. It can be performed confidently by junior doctors undergoing surgical training and appears to be an eminently safe technique as a routine procedure in any emergency service.

A patient with recurrent sigmoidal volvulus who was treated by elective sigmoidal resection is reported. The symptoms and radiologic findings are sufficient for a confident diagnosis to be made before the onset of a major obstructive epidose. The value of barium-enema examination even in the quiescent phase is emphasized. Definitive treatment by sigmoidal resection in the absence of obstruction is safe and should be undertaken as an elective measure. Awareness of the disease and its occurrence in young patients will aid its recognition and reduce mortality from intestinal obstruction.

A ten-year study of volvulus of the sigmoid colon is presented. Although the results of treatment of volvulus of the sigmoid colon are generally improving, the challenge for further improvement remains.

Etiologic and physiopathologic aspects of volvulus of the sigmoid colon in Brazil are presented. It is believed that sigmoidal volvulus in Brazil is a frequent complication of megacolon caused by Chagas' disease, differing in some characteristics from volvulus found in other countries. A review of 230 cases treated between 1938 and 1974 in the Surgical Department of Hospital das Clinicas, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, is presented. The successive variations used to treat this disease occurred parallel to those introduced in the surgical treatment of uncomplicated megacolon. From the results, the following treatment is recommended: endoscopic emptying in cases without clinical, roentgenographic or endoscopic signs of intestinal ischemia. Laparotomy should be performed when a complicated volvulus is suspected or when it is not possible to empty the loop. When a simple volvulus is found, the loop should be untwisted and the gaseous contents siphoned off by menas of a rectal catheter. When there is necrosis of the colon, the Hartmann operation is recommended. It is important to submit patients to a definitive treatment of the megacolon soon after endoscopic emptying or surgical detorsion of the volvulus, since recurrences following these measures are frequent.