Colonoscopy in the emergency treatment of colonic volvulus in Nigeria

The commonest cause of large-bowel obstruction in Nigeria is sigmoid volvulus. Patients usually present late, dehydrated, and in very poor condition. The mortality of emergency colonic surgery is undoubtedly high, more so in developing countries poorly equipped to cope with such a condition. To reduce the mortality rate and improve management of the patients, a four-year prospective study of detorsion followed by elective surgery after adequate resuscitation and bowel preparation was carried out between January 1979 and December 1982. Volvulus is classified into three groups: torsion, obstruction, and strangulation. Criteria for short colonoscopic detorsion of torsion and obstruction types are discussed, and the contraindication in the case of strangulation type mentioned. This article describes the management of 92 cases of sigmoid volvulus between 1979 and 1982.