Strangulated volvulus of the sigmoid colon with inviable mucosal appearance in a non-surgical patient. Endoscopic devolvulation

Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2002 Apr;94(4):221-5.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Colonoscopy is presently always performed before surgical management of a volvulus in the sigmoid colon. It leads to know the viability of the mucosa and, when possible, to resolve the volvulus conservatively. Besides, with endoscopic control, we can place a decompression tube proximal to the volvulated sigmoid colon, favouring a non-surgical resolution. With this conservative approach it is possible to overcome the acute period, and to restore the viability of the sigmoid wall, waiting for a definitive surgical management with less morbidity and mortality. Only with endoscopy, revolvulation does occur in 35-50% of cases. We present the clinical case of a sigmoid volvulus with compromised sigmoid wall in an 82-year-old man with several clinical problems contraindicating surgery. Endoscopic devolvulation with tube placement was adequate to resolve this sigmoid volvulus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Colonoscopy*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Mucosa
  • Intestinal Obstruction / complications
  • Intestinal Obstruction / diagnosis
  • Intestinal Obstruction / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Obstruction / therapy*
  • Male
  • Radiography, Abdominal
  • Sigmoid Diseases / complications
  • Sigmoid Diseases / diagnosis
  • Sigmoid Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Sigmoid Diseases / therapy*
  • Time Factors