Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease by Immunostaining Rectal Suction Biopsies for Calretinin, S100 Protein and Protein Gene Product 9.5
Published on: April 26, 2019
Sigmoid volvulus: an uncommon complication of Hirschsprung's disease
Abhishek Ranjan1, Vishesh Jain1, Shilpa Sharma1
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India.
Insights
Sigmoid volvulus in children, often linked to Hirschsprung's disease (HD), requires prompt recognition. This case demonstrates successful surgical management of pediatric sigmoid volvulus with a primary pull-through procedure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
Background:
- Sigmoid volvulus is uncommon in children but frequently co-occurs with Hirschsprung's disease (HD).
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial due to the condition's potentially life-threatening nature.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old boy presented with chronic constipation and acute severe abdominal pain and distention.
- Clinical suspicion led to the detection of sigmoid volvulus.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful surgical management involving sigmoid colon resection.
- A primary Scott Boley's pull-through procedure was successfully performed.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering sigmoid volvulus in pediatric patients with relevant symptoms.
- Suggests that primary definitive surgical procedures are feasible in select pediatric cases of sigmoid volvulus.
Abstract:
Sigmoid volvulus is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition that is usually seen in adults, however, when diagnosed in children, it is often associated with Hirschsprung's disease (HD). We report a case of an 11-year-old boy who presented with a history of constipation since 1.5 months of age, with acute onset of severe abdominal pain and marked distention of the abdomen. Sigmoid volvulus was suspected, detected and successfully managed with resection of the sigmoid colon and primary Scott Boley's pull-through. This report underscores the importance of suspecting sigmoid volvulus in the pertinent clinical setting; also, a primary definitive procedure can be performed in select cases.
Related Concept Videos
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...

