Metachronous descending colon volvulus after sigmoidectomy: a case report

Volvulus is the rotation or twisting of the intestine around its vascular pedicle. The occurrence of descending volvulus after sigmoidectomy is extremely rare. We report a case of a 35-year-old male who presented with abdominal distention, cramping, and no passage of feces or gas for three days. He had a history of recurrent sigmoid volvulus, previously treated with sigmoidectomy. On this occasion, clinical examination and imaging revealed a distended bowel with air-fluid levels. During exploratory laparotomy, descending colon volvulus, a rare finding, was confirmed. The patient underwent a left hemicolectomy and transverse stoma and recovered well postoperatively. Descending colon volvulus is a rare but serious complication after sigmoidectomy, and early diagnosis is essential. In volvulus-endemic regions, awareness of this condition is critical to prevent delayed diagnosis and complications.