Cecal volvulus. A case for nonresectional therapy

Sixteen cases of acute cecal volvulus were retrospectively evaluated. A follow-up was obtained averaging 5.6 years. The average age of the 14 female and two male patients was 47 years. Sixty-two percent of the patients were younger than 50 years of age. Eighty-one percent of the patients had undergone prior operation, with four of these 13 patients having been operated on within the preceding 30 days. Gynecologic procedures accounted for 40% of the previously performed operations. Plain abdominal films and results of barium enema examination were diagnostic or highly suspicious of cecal volvulus. Fourteen nonresectional procedures were performed. No subsequent abdominal operations for recurrence have been required. The concept that this lesion requires resection in the absence of necrosis cannot be supported by our data.