Colonic volvulus

Abstract

Objective: To review the incidence of volvulations in our workplace, to study the procedures employed in its treatment, and to discuss our results during the last 20 years.

Material and methods: A series of colonic volvulus treated between 1978 and 1998 at one hospital is presented.

Results: We reviewed 41 cases. Volvulus locations are: sigmoid colon: 21, caecum: 17, transverse colon: 2, and splenic flexure: 1. Mortality rates according to the type of volvulus and type of operative procedure is analyzed. Four cases of volvulus recurrence (9%).

Conclusions: Treatment guidelines for the approach to colonic volvulus are presented.