Sigmoid volvulus with 25 episodes

We report the case of a 74-year-old male with abdominal pain, distention and obstipation for 8 hours. He had a medical history of 24 sigmoid volvulus (SV) episodes, 23 of which treated with endoscopic detorsion, while one resolved spontaneously. Physical examination revealed abdominal distention, tenderness, hyperkinetic bowel sound and an empty rectum. Abdominal X-ray radiograph revealed dilated sigmoid loops with coffee bean sign. Computed tomography demonstrated dilated sigmoid loops with air-fluid levels and mesenteric whirl sign. Flexible colonoscopy showed a spiral-like luminal obstruction of the viable sigmoid colon at 18 cm from anal verge. A successful colonoscopic detorsion was performed. Due to the poor general health status of the patient (American Society of Anesthesiologists-ASA score 4) arising from serious comorbidities including coarctation of aorta and coronary disease, percutaneous endoscopic colostomy was suggested instead of elective sigmoid colectomy. He did not approve adjunctive therapy and was discharged following 24-hour observation.