Sigmoid volvulus in rural Bengal

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.