Sigmoid volvulus after trauma, an uncommon twist

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Trauma Surgery
• Abdominal Imaging

Background:

• Sigmoid volvulus is characterized by the twisting of the sigmoid colon around its mesentery, leading to ischemia and necrosis.
• It typically affects elderly, bed-bound patients with chronic constipation in developed countries.
• Underlying anatomical abnormalities can predispose individuals to this condition.

Observation:

• A unique case of sigmoid volvulus is presented in a patient with no prior abdominal complaints or surgical history.
• The patient sustained blunt abdominal trauma after being struck by a motor vehicle.
• This trauma led to the development of sigmoid volvulus.

Findings:

• The patient's sigmoid volvulus was diagnosed and managed promptly by emergency clinicians.
• Rapid surgical correction was performed to address the ischemic and necrotic bowel.
• The prompt intervention successfully mitigated further morbidity and mortality.

Implications:

• Blunt abdominal trauma can precipitate sigmoid volvulus, even in individuals without pre-existing risk factors.
• Emergency clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for rare complications like sigmoid volvulus following trauma.
• Timely recognition and surgical management are vital for improving patient outcomes in traumatic sigmoid volvulus.