Management of sigmoid volvulus in Polokwane-Mankweng Hospital

To evaluate the outcome of treatment of patients with sigmoid volvulus in the Polokwane-Mankweng Hospital and to identify the best management options for these patients.

A retrospective study was undertaken of 85 patients with sigmoid volvulus treated in Polokwane-Mankweng Hospital during the period July 1997-May 2004.

In total, 85 patients were evaluated (77 males and 8 females, male/female ratio 9:1). The age range was 7-80 years (mean 42 years). Sigmoidoscopic derotation was attempted in 17 patients, and was successful in 10 patients. Laparotomy was done in 84 patients, viz. 75 emergencies and 9 electives. During laparotomy, gangrenous sigmoid colon was found in 30 patients and viable sigmoid in 54 patients. Resection with primary anastomosis was done in 44 patients. Hartmann's procedure was performed in 33 patients. Sigmoidopexy was done in 7 patients. Total hospital mortality was 6% (5 deaths). Mortality in the 84 operated cases was 5% (4 deaths).

There was no mortality in patients undergoing elective resection and primary anastomosis after successful preoperative deflation and in patients with viable sigmoid volvulus who underwent an emergency Hartmann's procedure. There was low mortality in those patients with resection and primary anastomosis on viable sigmoid (3%, 1:39). The highest mortality (1:5) occurred in cases of resection and primary anastomosis of gangrenous sigmoid colon.