Evaluation of clinical profiles, surgical experience and outcomes of ileosigmoid knotting in low-resource setup: A retrospective cohort study at Jimma University Medical Center.

BACKGROUND: Bowel obstruction is a mechanical or functional blockade of intestinal contents from evacuation to the adjacent distal bowel or external environment. It poses significant morbidity and mortality in both high-income and low-to-middle-income countries. Ileosigmoid knotting is a special form of obstruction where the small bowel often ileum wraps around the sigmoid colon or vice versa. It is the severest form of bowel obstruction, involving both the small and large bowels in a compound manner. It is common where sigmoid volvulus is common and geographic areas with a bulky diet. METHODS: An institution-based retrospective cohort study was employed among purposively selected 40 surgical patients with ileosigmoid knotting records from July 2020 to July 2023 at Jimma University Medical Center. To estimate and compare the survival probabilities, the Kaplan-Meir method and log-rank test were used. A Cox-regression analysis was fitted to identify independent predictors of time to death. RESULTS: Among a cohort of 40 patients followed for 347 person-days at Jimma University Medical Center, 11 (27.5%) had died. The overall incidence rate of death was 3.2 (95% CI 1.8, 5.7) per 100 person-days. In multivariable Cox-regression analysis, age (AHR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.04-1.28), shock at presentation (AHR = 30.50: 95% CI 1.25-742.54), comorbidities (AHR = 5.81; 95% CI 1.19-28.23), pulse rate intraoperatively (AHR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.01-1.40), postoperative pulse rate (AHR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01-1.14) were independently associated with time to death. CONCLUSION: The incidence of death among surgical patients with ileosigmoid knotting was high and also had a shorter median survival time. Age, shock at presentation, comorbidities, pulse rate intraoperatively, and postoperative pulse rate were found to be statistically significant predictors of time to death and outcome among surgical patients with Ileosigmoid knotting.

Comparing Resection and Primary Anastomosis versus Hartmann's Stoma on the Mortality and Morbidity of Gangrenous Sigmoid Volvulus: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Gangrenous sigmoid volvulus has a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to compare sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) with sigmoid resection and end colostomy (Hartmann's procedure) for gangrenous sigmoid volvulus. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis study design was employed to summarize retrospective cohort, prospective cohort, and randomised control trial studies published from inception to march 31, 2023. Searching was performed on Medline, CINAHAL, Web of Science, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov to locate eligible articles. Data searching, selection and screening, quality assessment of the included articles, and data extraction were done by two separate reviewers. RevMan 5.4 software with a fixed-effect Mantel-Haenszel model and Stata version 14 were used to analyze the data. The protocol registered on PROSPERO registration website (CRD42023413367). Results: Ten cohort studies and one randomised control trial with 724 patients were found; all of them were rated as being of moderate quality. The overall mortality after RPA was 15% (95%CI: 11-19%), and after Hartmann's procedure it was 19% (95%CI: 15-23%). Resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) for gangrenous sigmoid volvulus had slightly lower mortality rate than stoma (OR=0.98(95%CI: 0.68-1.42), p=0.07, I2=43%), which had no statistically significant difference. Resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) had a slightly higher morbidity rate than Hartmann's procedure (OR=1.01(95%CI: 0.66-1.55), p=0.30, I2=18%), which had no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) and Hartmann's procedure had no significant differences in mortality and morbidity for the treatment of gangrenous sigmoid volvulus. Choice of the intervention for gangrenous sigmoid volvulus should be individualized with consideration of different detrimental factors.

Dilemma of sigmoid volvulus management.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with sigmoid volvulus (SV) are at a high risk of recurrence with increased morbidity and mortality. This study aims to review whether patients with SV underwent definitive surgical treatment after initial endoscopic reduction according to the guidelines, and to compare mortality rate between surgical and conservative management. METHODS: Retrospective study conducted at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, included all patients with SV between 2016 and 2018. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality following the initial management of the acute attack. Secondary outcomes were recurrence rate and overall mortality. The median follow-up period was 3 years. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were identified with a median age of 82 years; 27 (67%) were males. Of these 40 patients, 6 (15%) had emergency surgery, 26 (65%) received endoscopic decompression only, and 8 (20%) had planned definitive resection; 32 patients (80%) had recurrence and the median interval between any two episodes was 86 days. The mortality rate among patients with ASA grade 3 or 4 in the three groups, elective surgery, emergency surgery and decompression only, was 0%, 25% and 70% respectively, whereas it was 0%, 50% and 33% in those with ASA grade 2. The mortality rate among patients with similar ASA who had a planned surgery was significantly lower compared with those who did not undergo surgery (p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with sigmoid volvulus, regardless of ASA grade, performing early definitive surgery following initial endoscopic decompression resulted in a statistically significant lower mortality rate.

Ileo-sigmoid knotting: the Parirenyatwa hospital experience.

BACKGROUND: Ileo-sigmoid knotting is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction with a rapidly progressive course, for which expedient surgical intervention is required to prevent mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics, presentation, morbidity and mortality associated with ileo-sigmoid knotting at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (PGH). To determine the preoperative diagnostic precision and management patterns of ileo-sigmoid knotting cases at PGH. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients operated on at Parirenyatwa Hospital with a diagnosis of ileo-sigmoid knotting between April 2011 and April 2018. Data inclusive of demographics, time to presentation and surgery, preoperative diagnosis, complications and in-hospital mortality was collected. The relationship between the duration of symptoms prior to surgery and incidence of both septic shock and transfusion were analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-one cases of ileo-sigmoid knotting were identified for analysis. The median age was 37 years (range 18-65 years) with a 6:1 male to female ratio. Two of the three females included were pregnant. Twenty patients (95.2%) described an acute onset abdominal pain, with 83.3% experiencing the pain nocturnally, while asleep. The median duration of symptoms at presentation was 12.5 hours (range 2-39 hours). At admission, leucocytosis (WCC > 11x10³/dl) was noted in eleven patients (52.4%). Seventy-three per cent of patients were noted to have electrolyte derangements at presentation. Seven patients (33.3%) had recorded episodes of severe hypotension (SBP < 90) prior to surgery. The most common preoperative diagnosis, based on both clinical assessment and plain x-ray evaluation, was sigmoid volvulus (52.4%), with no preoperative diagnosis of ileo-sigmoid knotting being made. All patients had gangrenous small bowel, with 81% having a gangrenous sigmoid colon. All cases underwent small bowel resection and primary anastomosis plus Hartmann's procedure. Postoperatively, eleven patients (52.4%) developed septic shock, while 62% required blood transfusion. There was one (4.8%) early postoperative mortality. CONCLUSION: To avoid mortality, the diagnosis of ileo-sigmoid knotting should be entertained and the imperative of emergency surgery recognised in the young male or pregnant female patient with acute nocturnal onset abdominal pain, a rapidly deteriorating small bowel obstruction clinical picture and with radiological features suggestive of both small and large bowel obstruction.

Perioperative Outcomes and Predictors of Mortality After Surgery for Sigmoid Volvulus.

BACKGROUND: Data on outcomes after surgery for sigmoid volvulus is limited. The aim of this study was to develop a model to predict need for emergent surgery and mortality after resection for sigmoid volvulus. METHODS: The NSQIP database was queried from 2012 to 2016 to identify patients undergoing segmental resection for sigmoid volvulus. Pre-, intra-, and post-operative variables were compared. Primary and secondary outcomes were emergent surgery and risk of mortality, respectively. Chi-square and Fischer's test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables were used. Significant variables for each outcome were entered into a logistic regression model to predict the outcomes. RESULTS: 2086 patients met inclusion criteria. Factors associated with emergency surgery included female gender, relative hematocrit elevation, relative leukocytosis, acute kidney injury, preoperative sepsis, prior functional independence, and bleeding disorders. Laparoscopic resection and mechanical bowel preparation were more commonly used in the nonemergent setting. Patients having emergent resection were more likely to suffer from postoperative superficial surgical site infection, pneumonia, cardiac arrest, septic shock, myocardial infarction, and receive perioperative transfusion. No difference was seen in ileus, readmission or reoperation rates in the emergent and nonemergent groups. Factors predictive of postoperative mortality included increased age, systemic sepsis, and emergent surgery. Independence before illness, higher albumin levels, and lower BMI were shown to be protective. CONCLUSIONS: Emergent resection is independently associated with poor postoperative outcomes and mortality. Predictors of need for emergent resection and mortality identified in this study can be used to aid in shared decision-making for patients with sigmoid volvulus.

The clinical significance of extraluminal air in Hinchey 1a diverticulitis: results from a retrospective cohort study with 10-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Some patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis have extraluminal air. Our objective was to determine if patients with Hinchey 1a diverticulitis and isolated extraluminal air present more severe episode than patients without extraluminal air. METHODS: The present study is a monocentric observational retrospective cohort study. Computed tomographies of patients with diagnosed uncomplicated diverticulitis were retrospectively reviewed from the 01 January 2005 to the 31 December 2009. The presence of extraluminal air was determined. Leukocyte count, CRP value, and length of hospitalization were extracted from the patients' files. The follow-up period was from the time of diagnosis to the 15th of March 2019, the latest. Follow-up was censored for death and sigmoidectomy. Recurrence and emergency sigmoidectomy were documented during the follow-up period. The study was performed according to the STROBE guideline. RESULTS: Three hundred and one patients with an episode of Hinchey 1a diverticulitis were included. Extraluminal air was present in 56 patients (18.60%). Leukocyte count (12.4 ± 4.1(G/l) versus 10.7 ± 3.5(G/l), p = 0.05), CRP value (156.9 ± 95.1(mg/l) versus 89.9 ± 74.8(mg/l), p < 0.001), and length of hospital stay (10.9 ± 5.5(days) versus 8.4 ± 3.6(days), p < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with extraluminal air than in patients without extraluminal air. Seventy-two patients (23.92%) presented a recurrence during the follow-up period. Survival estimates did not differ between patients with or without extraluminal air (p = 0.717). Eleven patients (3.65%) required emergency surgery during the follow-up period. Patients with extraluminal air had shorter emergency surgery-free survival than patients without extraluminal air (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The presence of extraluminal air in Hinchey 1a diverticulitis indicates a more severe episode, with higher inflammation parameters at admission, longer length of stay, and an increased risk for emergency sigmoidectomy.

Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage versus laparoscopic sigmoidectomy in complicated acute diverticulitis: a multicenter prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage (LPL) is feasible in selected patients with pelvic abscess and generalized purulent peritonitis caused by acute diverticulitis. We aimed to compare LPL and laparoscopic sigmoidectomy (LS) in complicated acute diverticulitis. METHODS: This prospective, observational, multicenter study included patients with a pelvic abscess not amenable to conservative management and patients with Hinchey III acute diverticulitis, from 2015 to 2018. Sixty-six patients were enrolled: 28 (42%) underwent LPL and 38 (58%) underwent LS. In LS, patients had a primary anastomosis, with or without ileostomy, or an end colostomy (HA). Major outcomes were mortality, morbidity, failure of source control, reoperation, length of stay, and diverticulitis recurrence. RESULTS: Patient demographics were similar in the two groups. In LPL, ASA score > 2 and Mannheim Peritonitis Index were significantly higher (p = 0.05 and 0.004). In LS, 24 patients (63%) had a PA and 14 (37%) an HA. No death was recorded. Overall, morbidity was 33% in LPL and 18% in LS (p = 0.169). However, failure to achieve source control of the peritoneal infection and the need to return to the operating room were more frequent in LPL (p = 0.002 and p = 0.006). Mean postoperative length of stay was comparable (p = 0.08). Diverticular recurrence was significantly higher in LPL (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: LPL is related to a higher reoperation rate, more frequent postoperative ongoing sepsis, and higher recurrence rates. Therefore, laparoscopic lavage for perforated diverticulitis carries a high risk of failure in daily practice.

Retrospective study on pattern and outcome of management of sigmoid volvulus at district hospital in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Sigmoid volvulus is the commonest cause of large bowel obstruction in many regions of the world. Its prevalence varies greatly geographically. In Ethiopia, the disease is the commonest cause of emergency admissions due to intestinal obstruction. However, few studies have been conducted discussing the management outcome in Ethiopia and Africa. This research was conducted to assess the pattern & management outcome of acute sigmoid volvulus at a district hospital in South-west Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility based retrospective cross-sectional review of surgical records was done to identify patients who had acute sigmoid volvulus. Data was collected using structured questionnaire by three pre trained data collectors. The collected data was checked for its completeness, and then entered, edited, cleaned and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. For all statistical significance tests the cut-off value set was P < 0.05. RESULT: A total of 131 patients were managed for acute sigmoid volvulus. 108 (82.4%) were men with a male to female ratio of 4.7:1. The hospital prevalence of acute sigmoid volvulus was 27.9%. Majority (42%) of the patients were in the 6th decades of life. Abdominal pain, abdominal distention & inability to pass feces & flatus were the predominant presenting compliant while abdominal distention was the dominant physical finding in all of the patients. Ninety-seven patients (74%) had viable bowel obstruction of which 29 patients had successful rectal tube deflation. The remaining 68 patients were managed operatively by either primary resection & anastomosis (62 patients) or derotation alone (6 patients). Thirty-four patients had gangrenous bowel obstruction and were managed by either primary resection and anastomosis (16 patients) or Hartman's colostomy (18 patients). Six patients died of which 5 had primary resection and anastomosis (2 for viable and 3 for gangrenous bowel obstruction).The predominant postoperative complication was wound infection in 11(10.7%) patients. Factors associated with unfavorable outcome were female sex, primary resection & end to end anastomosis and presentation of illness more than 24 h. CONCLUSION: The most common management was primary resection and anastomosis. The overall mortality rate was 4.5% and the mortality rate related to primary resection and end to end anastomosis was 6.4%. Mortality rate was higher in those patients who had resection and anastomosis for gangrenous bowel compared to those who had viable bowel (19% vs 3%). Generally factors associated with poor outcome were duration of illness, primary resection and anastomosis and being female.

Outcomes of first-line endoscopic management for patients with sigmoid volvulus.

BACKGROUND: Sigmoid volvulus is a common cause of colonic obstruction in old and frail patients. Its standard management includes the endoscopic detorsion of the colonic loop, followed by an elective sigmoidectomy to prevent recurrence. However, these patients are often poor candidates for surgery. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare death rate between elective sigmoidectomy and conservative management following endoscopic detorsion for sigmoid volvulus. METHODS: The medical records of 83 patients undergoing endoscopic detorsion of a sigmoid volvulus from 2008 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: 'elective surgery' and 'no surgery'. RESULTS: Patients in the 'no surgery' group (n = 42) were older and had more loss of autonomy than in the 'elective surgery' group. Volvulus endoscopic detorsion was successful in 96% of patients with no complications. The median follow-up was 13 months (1 day-67 months). The death rate was 62% in the 'no surgery' group versus 32% in the 'elective surgery' group (p = 0.02). In the 'no surgery' group, 23/42 of patients had volvulus recurrence. No recurrence occurred after surgery. CONCLUSION: Elective surgery must be planned as soon as possible after the first episode of sigmoid volvulus. In frail patients, other options must be developed.

[Sigmoid volvulus at the University Hospital of Iceland 2000-2013].

Backround Sigmoid volvulus is an uncommon cause of bowel obstruction in most western societies. Treatment options include colonoscopy in uncomplicated disease with elective surgery later on. The aim of this study was to assess what treatment sigmoid volvulus patients receive along with long-term outcomes at Landspitali University Hospital. Methods The study was retrospective. Patients diagnosed with sigmoid volvulus at Landspitali University Hospital from 2000-2013 were included. Information regarding age, sex, and duration of hospital stay, treatment, short and long-term outcomes were gathered. Results Forty-nine patients were included in the study, of which 29 men and 20 women. Mean age was 74 (25-93). One patient underwent acute surgery on first arrival due to signs of peritonitis. Others (n=48) were treated conservatively in the first attempt with colonoscopy (n=45), barium enema (n=2) and rectal tube (n=1). Three other patients underwent acute surgery due to failed colonoscopy, 8 patients had planned surgery during the index admission. Thirty-six patients were discharged after conservative treatment with colonoscopy (n=35), barium enema (n=1) or rectal tube (n=1). Two patients came in for elec-tive surgery later on. Twenty-two patients (61%) had recurrence. Median time to recurrence was 101 days (1-803). Disease-free probability in 3, 6 and 24 months was 66%, 55% and 22% respec-tively. Total disease related mortality was 10.2%. Mortality (30 days) after acute surgery was 25% (1/4) and 16,6% (3/18) after planned surgery. Conclusions Sigmoid volvulus has high recurrence rate if not treated operatively. Total mortality due to sigmoid volvulus at Landspitali is low but surgery related mortality high.

Risk for lower intestinal perforations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with tocilizumab in comparison to treatment with other biologic or conventional synthetic DMARDs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk of developing lower intestinal perforations (LIPs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with tocilizumab (TCZ). METHODS: In 13 310 patients with RA observed in the German biologics register Rheumatoid Arthritis: Observation of Biologic Therapy, 141 serious gastrointestinal events possibly associated with perforations were reported until 31 October 2015. All events were validated independently by two physicians, blinded for treatment exposure. RESULTS: 37 LIPs (32 in the colon/sigma) were observed in 53 972 patient years (PYs). Only two patients had a history of diverticulitis (one in TCZ). Age, current/cumulative glucocorticoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were significantly associated with the risk of LIP. The crude incidence rate of LIP was significantly increased in TCZ (2.7/1000 PYs) as compared with all other treatments (0.2-0.6/1000 PYs). The adjusted HR (ref: conventional synthetic (cs) disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)) in TCZ was 4.48 (95% CI 2.0 to 10.0), in tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitor (TNFi) 1.04 (0.5 to 2.3) and in other biologic DMARDs 0.33 (0.1 to 1.4). 4/11 patients treated with TCZ presented without typical symptoms of LIP (acute abdomen, severe pain). Only one patient had highly elevated C reactive protein (CRP). One quarter of patients died within 30 days after LIP (9/37), 5/11 under TCZ, 2/13 under TNFi and 2/11 under csDMARD treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rates of LIP under TCZ found in this real world study are in line with those seen in randomised controlled trials of TCZ and higher than in all other DMARD treatments. To ensure safe use of TCZ in daily practice, physicians and patients should be aware that, under TCZ, LIP may occur with mild symptoms only and without CRP elevation.

Diverticular Abscess Managed With Long-term Definitive Nonoperative Intent Is Safe.

BACKGROUND: Initial nonoperative management of diverticular abscess has become the standard of care; however, the need for elective resection after this index episode is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes of expectant management after initial nonoperative treatment of diverticular abscess. DESIGN: This was a retrospective chart review with prospective telephone follow-up of patients. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a large tertiary academic colorectal surgery practice in Canada. PATIENTS: Adult patients with CT-documented acute sigmoid diverticulitis complicated by abscess managed nonoperatively from 2000 to 2013 were included. INTERVENTIONS: Long-term definitive nonoperative management of diverticular abscess. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was emergency sigmoidectomy or death from recurrent diverticulitis. Secondary outcomes were recurrent diverticulitis and elective sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis. RESULTS: Of 135 patients with acute diverticulitis complicated by abscess, a total of 73 patients were managed with nonoperative intent and long-term expectant management. The median follow-up was 62 (Q1 to Q3: 28-98) months. After resolution of the index episode, 22 patients [30.1% (95% CI, 19.6%-40.6%)] experienced a recurrent episode of diverticulitis at a median of 23 (range, 9-40) months. Two patients [2.7% (95% CI, -1.0% to 6.4%)] had a recurrent episode with peritonitis that required sigmoidectomy with stoma at 6 and 64 months. Both patients underwent reversal after 4 and 8 months. Seven [9.6% (95% CI, 2.8%-16.4%)] patients experienced a complicated recurrence and underwent an elective sigmoidectomy [median time to colectomy, 33 (range, 16-56) months]. Thirteen patients [17.8% (95% CI, 9.0%-26.6%)] experienced an uncomplicated recurrence, all of whom were managed with continued nonoperative intent [median follow-up, 81 (range, 34-115) months]. No mortality occurred. On multivariate logistic regression, female gender (p = 0.048) and a previous episode of uncomplicated diverticulitis before the index diverticular abscess (p = 0.020) were associated with a recurrent episode. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its retrospective design and modest sample size. CONCLUSIONS: After initial successful nonoperative management of diverticulitis with abscess, expectant management with nonoperative intent is a safe long-term option with low rates of surgery, especially in the emergency setting. See Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, on the nonoperative management of diverticular abscess at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A234.

Sigmoidectomy with primary anastomosis for complicated diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: It is possible to resect the perforated segment and reestablish intestinal continuity with adequate morbidity and mortality results in patients with complicated diverticulitis. AIMS: To evaluate the type of surgery performed at our center and the results of the procedures in patients with complicated diverticulitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients that underwent sigmoidectomy due to complicated diverticulitis within the time frame of 2005-2012 were included in the study. The primary objective was to evaluate the type of surgery performed. The secondary objective was to evaluate patient morbidity and mortality after 30 postoperative days. RESULTS: The study included 77 patients with a mean age of 51.17±12.80 years. The majority of the patients were men (64.9%) (n=50) and the mean BMI was 28.24±4.06kg/m2. A total of 63.6% (n=49) patients presented with a Hinchey iii-iv classification. Sigmoidectomy with primary anastomosis was performed in 58.4% (n=45) of the patients, 48.8% (22/45) of whom presented with Hinchey iii-iv. Primary anastomosis was more frequently performed in patients that had Hinchey i-ii(P=.001). Open surgery was carried out in 85.7% (n=66) of the cases. The mean surgery duration was longer in the patients with primary anastomosis (181.73±68.2min vs. 152.13±65.8min) (P>.05). Colorectal surgeons performed the procedures in 44.2% (n=34) of the cases. Complications presented in 23.4% (n=18) of the patients and there was a tendency toward more complications in patients that underwent the Hartmann's procedure. The mortality rate was 2.6% (n=2). CONCLUSIONS: Sigmoidectomy with primary anastomosis is a frequent surgery in patients with complicated diverticulitis at our hospital. There was no difference in morbidity and mortality, compared with the Hartmann's procedure.

Comparison of two surgical techniques for resection of uncomplicated sigmoid volvulus: laparoscopy or open surgical approach?

AIM OF THE STUDY: The optimal treatment for acute sigmoid volvulus has not been defined. Our aim was to compare the results of two techniques for the management of uncomplicated sigmoid volvulus coming from two separate surgical services, which had each chosen a different technique: open surgical versus laparoscopic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with sigmoid volvulus who underwent a surgical resection with immediate anastomosis, either emergency or scheduled, were included. Risk of morbidity (Dindo-Clavien criteria) and mortality (criteria of the AFC-French Association of Surgery) were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirteen patients in the open surgical group were operated in a 10-year period and 17 patients in the laparoscopy group were operated on in a seven-year period. The mean age (57 years in both groups) and sex ratio (0.7 versus 0.6, respectively), and the length of hospital stay (18 versus 15 days, respectively) were comparable in the two groups. The open surgical procedure was performed urgently in 62% (n=8/13) versus 24% (n=4/17) in the laparoscopic group. The two groups were comparable in terms of risk factors for mortality by AFC score. The anastomotic leak rate was 8% (n=1/13) for the open surgical group versus 18% (n=3/17) for the laparoscopic group, while serious morbidity was 15% (n=2/13) versus 12% (n=2/17). No recurrence of volvulus was observed in the open group (mean follow-up of 26 months) versus 12% (n=2) in the laparoscopy group (mean follow-up of 32 months). CONCLUSION: We did not find any significant difference between the two techniques. But the technical simplicity and the absence of recurrence in the open surgical group emphasize the importance of this technique.

Acute sigmoid volvulus: results of surgical treatment in the teaching hospitals of Bamako.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of occlusion of the sigmoid colon due to volvulus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study from 1996 to 2010 of all patients undergoing surgery for sigmoid volvulus in surgical wards of the University Hospital of Bamako. RESULTS: A total of 417 patients were identified including 379 men and 38 women. The mean patient age was 45.7 ± 18.3 years. The general condition of the patients was good in 70.5% and altered in 29.5% of cases. Colonic necrosis was present in 80 patients (19.2%). Single-stage resection with immediate anastomosis was performed in 149 patients (35.73%). Two-stage surgery was performed in 268 cases (64.27%). The initial stage of the two-stage procedure was colostomy in 167 cases and simple detorsion in 101 cases. The surgical approach had an impact on mortality in patients who were in poor general condition. Single-stage surgery resulted in higher mortality (12/149; 8.05%) than two-stage surgery (5/268; 1.87%), and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.0005). CONCLUSION: Single-stage surgery for sigmoid volvulus carries a high risk of death when it is performed in patients with poor general condition. Indications for surgery must take into account the patient's general condition and the viability of the torsed sigmoid colon.

Management of sigmoid volvulus: options and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the management of sigmoid volvulus with reference to the type of surgical procedures performed and to determine the prognosis of sigmoid volvulus. STUDY DESIGN: A case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Ghaem Hospital of Mashhad, University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, from 1996 to 2008. METHODOLOGY: A total of 944 cases of colon obstruction were reviewed. Demographic, laboratory and treatment results, mortality and complications were recorded. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics as frequency and percentage for the qualitative variables and mean and standard deviation values for the quantitative variables. Also chisquare and Fisher's exact test were used for the association between the qualitative variables. SPSS statistical software (version 18) was used for the data analysis. RESULTS: In all patients except those with symptoms or signs of gangrenous bowel, a long rectal tube was inserted via the rectosigmoidoscope which was successful in 80 (36.87%) cases. Rectosigmoidoscopic detorsion was unsuccessful in 137 (63.13%) patients, who underwent an emergent laparotomy. The surgical procedures performed in these cases were resection and primary anastomosis in 40 (29.1%), Mikulicz procedure in 9 (6.6%), laparotomy detorsion in 37 (27.01%), Hartmann procedure in 47 (34.3%), mesosigmoidoplasty in 3 (2.19%) patients and total colectomy in one (0.73%) case. The overall mortality was 9.8% (22) patients. CONCLUSION: In sigmoid volvulus, the most important determinant of patient outcome is bowel viability. The initial treatment of sigmoid colon volvulus is sigmoidoscopy with rectal tube placement.

More patients should undergo surgery after sigmoid volvulus.

AIM: To assess the outcome of patients treated conservatively vs surgically during their first admission for sigmoid volvulus. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 61 patients admitted to Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark between 1996 and 2011 for their first incidence of sigmoid volvulus. The condition was diagnosed by radiography, sigmoidoscopy or surgery. Patients treated with surgery underwent either a sigmoid resection or a percutaneous endoscopic colostomy (PEC). Conservatively treated patients were managed without surgery. Data was recorded into a Microsoft Access database and calculations were performed with Microsoft Excel. Kaplan-Meier plotting and Mantel-Cox (log-rank) testing were performed using GraphPad Prism software. Mortality was defined as death within 30 d after intervention or surgery. RESULTS: Among the total 61 patients, 4 underwent emergency surgery, 55 underwent endoscopy, 1 experienced resolution of the volvulus after contrast enema, and 1 died without treatment because of large bowel perforation. Following emergency treatment, 28 patients underwent sigmoid resection (semi-elective n = 18; elective n = 10). Two patients who were unfit for surgery underwent PEC and both died, 1 after 36 d and the other after 9 mo, respectively. The remaining 26 patients were managed conservatively without sigmoid resection. Patients treated conservatively on their first admission had a poorer survival rate than patients treated surgically on their first admission (95%CI: 3.67-14.37, P = 0.036). Sixty-three percent of the 26 conservatively treated patients had not experienced a recurrence 3 mo after treatment, but that number dropped to 24% 2 years after treatment. Eight of the 14 patients with recurrence after conservative treatment had surgery with no 30-d mortality. CONCLUSION: Surgically-treated sigmoid volvulus patients had a higher long-term survival rate than conservatively managed patients, indicating a benefit of surgical resection or PEC insertion if feasible.

Appropriate treatment of acute sigmoid volvulus in the emergency setting.

AIM: To investigate an appropriate strategy for the treatment of patients with acute sigmoid volvulus in the emergency setting. METHODS: A retrospective review of 28 patients with acute sigmoid volvulus treated in the Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai from January 2001 to July 2012 was performed. Following the diagnosis of acute sigmoid volvulus, an initial colonoscopic approach was adopted if there was no evidence of diffuse peritonitis. RESULTS: Of the 28 patients with acute sigmoid volvulus, 19 (67.9%) were male and 9 (32.1%) were female. Their mean age was 63.1 ± 22.9 years (range, 21-93 years). Six (21.4%) patients had a history of abdominal surgery, and 17 (60.7%) patients had a history of constipation. Abdominal radiography or computed tomography was performed in all patients. Colonoscopic detorsion was performed in all 28 patients with a success rate of 92.8% (26/28). Emergency surgery was required in the other two patients. Of the 26 successfully treated patients, seven (26.9%) had recurrent volvulus. CONCLUSION: Colonoscopy is the primary emergency treatment of choice in uncomplicated acute sigmoid volvulus. Emergency surgery is only for patients in whom nonoperative treatment is unsuccessful, or in those with peritonitis.