Sigmoidoscopic reduction of sigmoid volvulus

Twenty-six patients were treated for a volvulus of the sigmoid colon between January, 1971, and June, 1979. Eight patients had an emergency resection and, although there was a high postoperative morbidity, there were no deaths in this group. An attempt to decompress the volvulus by means of a rigid sigmoidoscope was made in 18 patients. This was successful in 14 patients. Six of these patients suffered a recurrence, and perforation occurred in four patients, three of whom subsequently died. Because of the high risk of perforation, care should be taken with this procedure.