Korean J Gastrointest Endosc.  2006 May;32(5):347-351.

A Case of Sigmoid Volvulus Treated by Emergency Endoscopic Reduction and Surgical Colonic Resection

• Cho MR
• Moon JY
• Park KM
• Kim SH
• Lee JN
• Lee CK
• Jeong JH
• Kim HW
• Park SK
• Park HU

Abstract

An intestinal obstruction is a common cause of acute abdominal diseases which need emergency measures. Sigmoid volvulus is one of rare causes of colonic obstruction and occupies 2~3% of its causes in Korea. Volvulus requires a prompt diagnosis and decompression in order to prevent its progression to strangulation and gangrene. Although 90% of sigmoid volvulus can be diagnosed just by plain abdominal x-ray, computed tomography or barium enema can be done for more accurate diagnoses. For the successful treatment, accurate early examination, endoscopic reduction and surgical colonic resection are required. Endoscopic reduction has low mortality but is liable to recur, whereas emergency colonic resection has little recurrence rate but a high mortality. We experienced a case of a sigmoid volvulus in a 55-year-old male who companied of sudden abdominal pain. After diagnosed as sigmoid volvulus through plain abdominal x-ray and abdominal computed tomography, endoscopic reduction was done in the early period of development, and the sigmoid resection was performed after 7 days. We report our experience with a review of the literature regarding the diagnosis and treatment of sigmoid volvulus.

Keyword

Sigmoid volvulus; Endoscopic reduction; Resection

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Pain
Barium
Colon*
Colon, Sigmoid*
Decompression
Diagnosis
Emergencies*
Enema
Gangrene
Humans
Intestinal Obstruction
Intestinal Volvulus*
Korea
Male
Middle Aged
Mortality
Recurrence
Barium