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Published on: April 17, 2019
Sigmoid volvulus in children
Merete Berthu Damkjaer1, Waqas Farooqui1, Inge Ifaoui1
1Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen Universiy Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Insights
Sigmoid volvulus in children is rare and serious. This case highlights the need to consider juvenile sigmoid volvulus in pediatric patients with abdominal distress and constipation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Sigmoid volvulus is uncommon in children, with fewer than 100 reported cases since 1940.
- Unlike in adults, there are no established treatment guidelines for pediatric sigmoid volvulus.
- This condition can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and managed.
Abstract:
Sigmoid volvulus in paediatric patients is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. Since 1940, only 100 cases have been reported. There are no consensual guidelines for juvenile sigmoid volvulus unlike in adults, where the condition and the treatment is well described. We report a case of a 12-year-old patient, who presented with uncharacteristic symptoms of mild abdominal discomfort and lack of passage of stool. A CT-scan showed a sigmoid volvulus and emergency resection was performed with placement of a colostomy. With this case, we want to emphasise juvenile sigmoid volvulus as a probable differential diagnosis when symptoms of abdominal distress and constipation occur.
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