Sigmoid volvulus in children: report of two cases

Volvulus of the sigmoid colon is rare in children. An early, accurate diagnosis can avoid unnecessary surgery and reduce the risk of complications. This condition is mainly due to a redundant sigmoid colon with a narrow mesosigmoid attachment. We describe two cases of sigmoid volvulus, which showed different clinical severities and were treated with different methods. Patient 1, a 9-year-old boy, presented with acute abdominal pain and vomiting. Patient 2, an 11-year-old boy, presented with abdominal pain, abdominal distention, and bloody mucoid stool. Plain abdominal radiographs revealed a distended colonic loop extending upward from the pelvis in patient 1 and a typical "coffee bean" sign in patient 2. Barium enema examination was used to confirm the diagnosis in both cases. The volvulus was reduced by insertion of a rectal tube in patient 1 and surgically in patient 2. Sigmoid colon volvulus should be included in the differential diagnosis of childhood abdominal pain or distention. This report suggests that nonsurgical reduction should be attempted first for uncompromised sigmoid volvulus in children, unless bowel ischemia or perforation develops.