Colonic Volvulus: An Experience at Tertiary Care Hospital in Nepal

Colonic volvulus is not an uncommon cause of large bowel obstruction. Limited research has been done about colonic volvulus in our part of the world which has been regarded as "volvulus belt." The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical features, management, and factors affecting perioperative outcomes in patients with colonic volvulus.

A retrospective review of medical records of all patients managed for colonic volvulus in Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa from January 2012 to December 2016 was done. Data on patient demographics, clinical course, methods of treatment, and outcomes were analyzed.

A total of 62 patients (46 males) were studied. Mean age was 57.9 ± 10.4 years. The most common site involved was sigmoid (85.5%). The diagnosis was made by abdominal x-rays in 39 patients (62.2%), CT scan in 13 patients (21%), and laparotomy in 10 patients (16.1%). Fifty-eight patients (93.5%) were treated surgically. Resection and ostomy was the commonest operation performed in 30 patients (48.7%) followed by resection with anastomosis in 24 patients (38.7%). The overall complication was 38.7%. There were 9.7% of deaths. In multivariate analysis, age ( ≥ 60 years) (odds ratio (OR); 27.0, confidence interval (CI); (1.92-403), P; 0.01), preoperative hypotension (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg) (OR; 7.82, CI; (1.19-51.2), P; 0.03), and gangrenous bowel (OR; 76.7, CI (3.60-1632), P; 0.005) were significant predictors of postoperative complications .

Volvulus of the colon is common in males and constipation is being commonest risk factors for volvulus. Surgeons should have a high index of suspicion and should be aware of these problems to make the early diagnosis with prompt treatment and to ensure better patient outcomes in volvulus endemic areas like ours.