Pediatric Sigmoid Volvulus (Case Report)

Abstract

Sigmoid volvulus is a rare cause of colonic obstruction in children. In this age group it has higher morbidity and mortality than that of adults. There is a paucity of literature on pediatric sigmoid volvulus, and thus treatment strategies are largely based on adult data. Regardless of the patient age, prompt intervention is imperative in all cases. Emergent colectomy is typically reserved for cases complicated by gangrene, perforation and peritonitis; while non-operative emergency decompression followed by elective surgical resection is preferred in uncomplicated cases. In this report, we describe a 17-year-old female with sigmoid volvulus, who successfully underwent flexible sigmoidoscopic detorsion, followed by rectal tube decompression for 2 days and then elective laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy with primary anastomosis.