Volvulus of the cecum

Twenty-one cases of volvulus of the cecum are discussed; mortality was 9.5%. Eight patients underwent right hemicolectomy, but gangrenous changes were found in only one of these cases. No distal obstruction was found. The female-to-male ratio was 16:5. The roentgenographic diagnosis is highly suggestive in flat film of the abdomen and conclusive in contrast examination. Treatment of cecal volvulus by simple detorsion or cecopexy is inadequate and associated with a high recurrence rate. Primary resection of the right colon with ileotransverse colostomy is the treatment of choice for all types of cecal volvulus.