Childhood sigmoid volvulus

Abstract

A 14-year-old boy presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain. Flat and upright abdominal films and a barium enema revealed the classic findings of sigmoid volvulus. Sigmoidoscopy allowed a soft rubber tube to be passed beyond the obstruction with immediate relief of pain. The patient subsequently underwent a descending sigmoid colectomy. Sigmoid volvulus is a rare entity in childhood. Case discussion and review of the literature is presented.