On-table lavage in the management of sigmoid volvulus: a review

Sigmoid volvulus is a leading cause of bowel obstruction in many parts of Africa. Several aspects of management remain controversial, particularly the operative strategy to be adopted in patients in whom sigmoidoscopy has failed to deflate viable bowel. On-table lavage is especially useful in these circumstances, allowing safe primary resection and anastomosis. This short review summarizes the theoretical and clinical background to such an approach.