Multimedia article. Laparoscopic treatment of chronic sigmoid volvulus in a young adult

Sigmoid volvulus is responsible for 8% of all intestinal obstructions. The most frequent presentation is in the elderly, with it occurring exceptionally in young people. Surgical resection is mandatory to prevent recurrence. Laparoscopic maneuvers in the long and distended bowel are difficult, and not much experience with these procedures has been reported.

A 21-year-old man with antecedents of constipation had two episodes of rectal prolapse, and one episode of acute volvulation treated with decompressive endoscopy. A laparoscopic exploration was performed for definitive treatment. Transanal intubation with a large-bore tube permitted deflation of the bowel. A deep Douglas's pouch was observed with a mobile sigmoid loop that intussuscepted the rectum. A proctosigmoidectomy including the 5 cm of the upper rectum was performed without incident.

Laparoscopic management of suboclusive colonic volvulus is feasible. Intraopertive transanal intubation permits deflation the loop and facilitates manipulation.