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. 2016 Apr 15:23:198.
doi: 10.11604/pamj.2016.23.198.6255. eCollection 2016.

Ileo-sigmoid knotting: a review of 61 cases in Kenya

Philip Blasto Ooko  1 , Seno Saruni  1 , Mark Oloo  1 , Hillary Mariko Topazian  1 , Russell White  1
Affiliations

Ileo-sigmoid knotting: a review of 61 cases in Kenya

Philip Blasto Ooko et al. Pan Afr Med J. .

Abstract

Introduction: Ileo-sigmoid knotting (ISK) is a rare cause of bowel obstruction in which the ileum twists around the sigmoid colon. It is associated with rapid bowel gangrene and a high mortality rate. Little has been published about this condition in Kenya. The objective was to determine the presentation, management, and outcome of patients with ISK.

Methods: A seven year (January 2008-December 2014) retrospective chart review of patients managed for ISK at Tenwek Hospital in Bomet, Kenya.

Results: A total of 61 cases were identified, with a mean age of 35.8 years (range 2-68), and mean symptom duration of 1.6 days (range 3 hours-7 days). Gangrene was noted to involve both the ileum and colon in 45 patients, the ileum only in 9 patients, and the sigmoid colon only in one. Resection and primary anastomosis was carried out in most cases of gangrenous ileum (48/54, 89%) and gangrenous sigmoid colon (34/46, 74%), while resection and stoma was performed in 8 patients with gangrenous colon. Death occurred in 7 (11.5%) patients due to severe sepsis and multisystem organ failure. Morbidities were noted in 15 (24.6%) patients, including surgical site infection (8, 13.1%), respiratory insufficiency (4, 6.6%), fascial dehiscence (3, 4.9%) and anastomotic leak (2, 3.2%). The mean duration of hospitalization was 8.3 days (range 1-26).

Conclusion: In this review, though retrospective in nature, ISK was noted to have high rates of bowel gangrene. In the appropriate setting, resection and primary anastomosis can be safely carried out in most cases of gangrenous colon.

Keywords: Ileosigmoid knotting; intestinal obstruction; outcome; treatment; volvulus.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Plain upright abdominal X-ray showing dilated sigmoid colon and dilated small bowel with multiple air-fluid levels
Figure 2
Figure 2
Management algorithm of cases of ISK
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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