Minimizing recurrence after sigmoid volvulus.

Background: This study was a retrospective review of a series of patients with sigmoid volvulus to identify risk factors for recurrence and recommend appropriate treatment.

Methods: Thirty-five patients with sigmoid volvulus were treated over 8 years.

Results: Six patients had emergency surgery for peritonitis. Twenty-eight of the other 29 patients had successful endoscopic decompression; 15 of these patients had elective surgery during the same admission. Twelve of the 14 patients who refused operation after endoscopic decompression developed recurrent volvulus, a median of 2.8 months later. Eight subsequently agreed to surgery and underwent elective operation following repeat decompression. Of 29 patients who had surgery, 27 had sigmoid colectomy (two were initial Hartmann procedures) and two had subtotal colectomy. Six patients who had sigmoid colectomy developed recurrent volvulus. Concomitant megacolon and megarectum at the time of initial surgery were significant predictors of recurrence.

Conclusions: Subtotal colectomy, carried out as the primary procedure if there is concomitant megacolon or megarectum, might reduce the risk of recurrent sigmoid volvulus.