Results of resection for volvulus of the right colon

The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the results of resection for volvulus of the right colon. Over a 17-year period, 45 patients (33 women) of mean age 64 years were admitted with acute right colon volvulus. Preoperative diagnosis was obtained in 53% of the cases. A right hemicolectomy was performed in all the cases, with primary anastomosis in 43 cases and double ileal and transverse stomy in 2 cases. Gangrene was observed in 23 patients (51%). Postoperative mortality was 6.6% (3 patients) due to septic shock and multi-organ failure in 2 cases, and respiratory failure in the other cases. Postoperative morbidity was 20% (9 patients), including 2 cases of anastomotic leaks. On the basis of this study and a review of the literature, it appears that right hemicolectomy is the treatment of choice for volvulus of the right colon, as it avoids all risk of recurrence and mortality is lower than that obtained with conservative treatment.