Sigmoid colon volvulus, also known as sigmoid volvulus, is volvulus affecting the sigmoid colon. It is a common cause of bowel obstruction and constipation. It is common in Asia, India (7% of intestinal obstruction) and especially South India because of the high fibre diet. It is a very common cause of large bowel obstruction in Peru and Bolivia due to high altitude.
Signs and symptoms Pain in abdomen – initially left-sided, eventually all over Absolute constipation Enormous distension of abdomen Late vomiting and eventually dehydration Features of peritonitis Hiccup and retching may occur Tyre-like feel of the abdomen is diagnostic
Cause The condition is more common in males and with old age. It is also common in people with chronic constipation and laxative abuse.
It is common in: Ogilvie syndrome Individuals with learning difficulties Chagas disease Hypothyroidism Anticholinergic drugs Multiple sclerosis Scleroderma Parkinson's disease
In sigmoid, volvulus rotation is always anticlockwise. It requires one and a half rotation to cause vascular obstruction and gangrene which eventually leads to perforation either at the root or at the summit of the sigmoid loop.
Diagnosis Plain X-ray (diagnostic in 70–80%): coffee bean sign is seen Contrast enema: bird beak sign CT scan: shows characteristic whirl pattern Blood: haematocrit, renal functions, serum electrolytes
Treatment RT aspiration IV fluids Catheterisation Antibiotics By flatus tube or sigmoidoscope, derotation is done If derotation does not occur, then laparotomy through midline incision should be done. It is derotated manually. If viable, it can be fixed to lateral wall of abdomen or pelvis If sigmoid colon is gangrenous, then Hartmann's operation or Paul Mikulicz operation is done
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