Emergency resection of sigmoid volvulus

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Outcomes
• Public Health

Background:

• Sigmoid volvulus is a significant cause of large bowel obstruction, particularly in certain geographic regions.
• Understanding outcomes of emergency surgical interventions is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcome of emergency sigmoid resection for sigmoid volvulus.
• To identify factors associated with adverse outcomes in these patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series review of 92 patients.
• Data collected from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) between 2000-2005.
• Primary outcome measures included mortality, morbidity, and hospital stay duration.

Main Results:

• Sigmoid volvulus represented 14.1% of intestinal obstructions and 80% of large gut obstructions.
• Mortality rate was 3.3% and morbidity rate was 21.7%.
• Inadequate intravenous fluid therapy was a significant predictor of adverse outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Emergency sigmoid resection for viable colon has outcomes similar to endoscopic detorsion followed by elective resection.
• Overall outcomes are comparable to global standards.
• Inadequate postoperative intravenous fluid management adversely impacts patient outcomes.