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Case Reports
. 2025 Jan 3;2025(1):rjae827.
doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjae827. eCollection 2025 Jan.

Metachronous descending colon volvulus after sigmoidectomy: a case report

Asratu G Amare  1 , Gebrehiwot A Workneh  1 , Mequanint T Tassew  1 , Minale M Kebede  1 , Mengist A Tegegne  1 , Michael A Negussie  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Metachronous descending colon volvulus after sigmoidectomy: a case report

Asratu G Amare et al. J Surg Case Rep. .

Abstract

Volvulus is the rotation or twisting of the intestine around its vascular pedicle. The occurrence of descending volvulus after sigmoidectomy is extremely rare. We report a case of a 35-year-old male who presented with abdominal distention, cramping, and no passage of feces or gas for three days. He had a history of recurrent sigmoid volvulus, previously treated with sigmoidectomy. On this occasion, clinical examination and imaging revealed a distended bowel with air-fluid levels. During exploratory laparotomy, descending colon volvulus, a rare finding, was confirmed. The patient underwent a left hemicolectomy and transverse stoma and recovered well postoperatively. Descending colon volvulus is a rare but serious complication after sigmoidectomy, and early diagnosis is essential. In volvulus-endemic regions, awareness of this condition is critical to prevent delayed diagnosis and complications.

Keywords: case report; hemicolectomy; metachronous volvulus; sigmoidectomy; stoma.

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Conflict of interest statement

None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Abdominal X-ray showing dilated colon and multiple air-fluid levels.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Photograph of descending colon volvulus.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Photograph of the descending colon post-derotation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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