Choice of Operative Technique for Emergency Cases of Sigmoid Volvulus in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Gujarat

Introduction: Sigmoid volulus is by far the most common type of volvulus, accounting for 75 to 90 % of all volvulus. Most common presenting symptom is abdominal pain and constipation. . It may be initially managed by sigmoidoscopy or rectal tube insertion but where fear of compromised vascular supply of the sigmoid colon is associated, immediate laparotomy after resuscitation must be undertaken to avoid gangrene and septic shock. The primary objective of the study is to demonstrate the most suitable procedure for management of patients with sigmoid volvulus needing emergency surgery. Methodology: All patients presenting with volvulus and needing emergency operative intervention during 1 years duration from January 2010 to December 2011 were included in this study. Total 41 patients were included in the study of which 25 presented with gangrenous sigmoid colon on laparotomy and viable sigmoid colon was present in the remaining 16 cases. Comparison is done with respect to mortality and early morbidity associated with different operative procedures. Results: Highest mortality i.e. 33.3% observed among patients who underwent primary resection and anastomosis without proximal colostomy. Wound infection was more common following all forms of stoma procedure. Conclusion: Hartmann’s procedure goes a long way in decreasing mortality due to sigmoid volvulus in the emergency setting.