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.

Prenatal imaging features and perinatal outcomes of foetal volvulus-A literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a review of the literature on foetal volvulus with emphasis on prenatal imaging, pregnancy characteristics and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A review of all published cases of foetal volvulus diagnosed prenatally and indexed in Medline, EBSCOhost, CINAHL, SOCIndex and Healthy Policy Reference Centre. Studies without antenatal sonographic signs of foetal volvulus and without a postpartum surgical diagnosis were excluded. Data were analysed for frequencies and distributions and tested for statistical significance. RESULTS: Eighty-eight cases of foetal volvulus were identified from 58 published case reports/series. The most common ultrasound findings were dilated bowel/stomach (77.3%), polyhydramnios (30.7%) and whirlpool/snail sign (28.4%). Median gestation at diagnosis was 31.9 weeks (IQR 27-34) and mean gestation at delivery was 34.5 weeks (SD 2.8). Underlying aetiology included intestinal malrotation (15.9%), cystic fibrosis (14.8% of all cases, 32.5% of tested cases) and abnormal mesenteric fixation (12.5%). Complications included intestinal atresia (36.4%) and foetal anaemia (9.1%). The overall perinatal mortality rate was 14.5%. CONCLUSION: Foetal volvulus is a rare condition with high rates of preterm birth and perinatal mortality. Intestinal malrotation and cystic fibrosis are common predisposing causes, although the majority are idiopathic. Bowel and/or gastric dilatation is by far the most common sonographic finding.

Five Hundred Patients With Gut Malrotation: Thirty Years of Experience With the Introduction of a New Surgical Procedure.

OBJECTIVES: Define clinical spectrum and long-term outcomes of gut malrotation. With new insights, an innovative procedure was introduced and predictive models were established. METHODS: Over 30-years, 500 patients were managed at 2 institutions. Of these, 274 (55%) were children at time of diagnosis. At referral, 204 (41%) patients suffered midgut-loss and the remaining 296 (59%) had intact gut with a wide range of digestive symptoms. With midgut-loss, 189 (93%) patients underwent surgery with gut transplantation in 174 (92%) including 16 of 31 (16%) who had autologous gut reconstruction. Ladd's procedure was documented in 192 (38%) patients with recurrent or de novo volvulus in 41 (21%). For 80 patients with disabling gastrointestinal symptoms, gut malrotation correction (GMC) surgery "Kareem's procedure" was offered with completion of the 270° embryonic counterclockwise-rotation, reversal of vascular-inversion, and fixation of mesenteric-attachments. Concomitant colonic dysmotility was observed in 25 (31%) patients. RESULTS: The cumulative risk of midgut-loss increased with volvulus, prematurity, gastroschisis, and intestinal atresia whereas reduced with Ladd's and increasing age. Transplant cumulative survival was 63% at 10-years and 54% at 20-years with best outcome among infants and liver-containing allografts. Autologous gut reconstruction achieved 78% and GMC had 100% 10-year survival. Ladd's was associated with 21% recurrent/de novo volvulus and worsening (P > 0.05) of the preoperative National Institute of Health patient-reported outcomes measurement information system gastrointestinal symptom scales. GMC significantly (P ≤ 0.001) improved all of the symptomatology domains with no technical complications or development of volvulus. GMC improved quality of life with restored nutritional autonomy (P < 0.0001) and daily activities (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Gut malrotation is a clinicopathologic syndrome affecting all ages. The introduced herein definitive correction procedure is safe, effective, and easy to perform. Accordingly, the current standard of care practice should be redefined in this orphan population.

Characteristics of Intestinal Volvulus and Risk of Mortality in Malawi.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal volvulus is a common cause of mechanical intestinal obstruction (MIO) in Africa. Sigmoid volvulus has been well characterized in both high-income and low-income countries, but there is also a predilection for small bowel volvulus in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: An analysis was performed of the Kamuzu Central Hospital Acute Care Surgery Registry from 2013 to 2019 on patients presenting with intestinal volvulus. Bivariate analysis was performed for covariates based on the intestinal volvulus type. Multivariate Poisson regression models estimated the relative risk of volvulus and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 4352 patients were captured in the registry. Overall, 1037 patients (23.8%) were diagnosed with MIO. Intestinal volvulus accounted for 499 (48.1%) of patients with MIO. Sigmoid volvulus, midgut volvulus, ileosigmoid knotting, and cecal volvulus accounted for 57.7% (n = 288), 19.8% (n = 99), 20.8% (n = 104), and 1.6% (n = 8), respectively. Mean age was 46.8 years (SD 17.2) with a male preponderance (n = 429, 86.0%) and 14.8% (n = 74) mortality. Overall, the most common operations performed were large bowel (n = 326, 74.4%) and small bowel (n = 76, 16.7%) resections with 18.0% (n = 90) ostomy formation. Upon regression modeling, the relative risk for volvulus was 2.7 times higher in men than women after controlling for season and age. There was no statistically significant difference in the relative risk of mortality based on the type of volvulus. CONCLUSION: Volvulus is a significant cause of primary bowel obstruction in sub-Saharan Africa. Type of intestinal volvulus is not associated increased risk of mortality. Reasons for increases in the incidence of small bowel volvulus are still largely undetermined.

The pattern of mortality in dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus.

INTRODUCTION: The primary study objective was to characterize the pattern of in-hospital mortality in dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), with a focus on preoperative nonsurvival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records from a 10-year period was undertaken at a university teaching hospital. Data collected included signalment, physical examination parameters at hospital presentation, blood lactate concentration, and outcome. RESULTS: A total of 498 dogs were included. Overall, 319 (64.1%) survived to discharge and 179 (35.9%) were nonsurvivors. Of the nonsurvivors, 149 (31.3% of all dogs) were euthanized and 30 (6%) died. Of those dogs euthanized, the majority (n = 116) were euthanized at the time of hospital presentation prior to surgery (ie, without intent to treat). When dogs that were euthanized prior to surgery were excluded, 83.5% of dogs survived to discharge. Median group age was higher in those euthanized than in the group of dogs that survived to discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative euthanasia and hence nonsurvival without intent to treat accounted for the majority of GDV mortality in this study. Given the high rate of nonsurvival without intent to treat it is likely that efforts focused at disease prevention will ultimately affect a much greater improvement in overall disease mortality than those focused on improving treatment.

Adult Presentations of Congenital Midgut Malrotation: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Adult midgut malrotation is a rare cause of an acute abdomen requiring urgent intervention. It may also present in the non-acute setting with chronic, non-specific symptoms. The objective of this study is to identify the clinical features, appropriate investigations and current surgical management associated with adult malrotation. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, identifying confirmed cases of adult malrotation. Patient demographics, clinical features, investigation findings and operative details were analysed. RESULTS: Forty-five reports met the inclusion criteria, totalling 194 cases. Mean age was 38.9 years (n = 92), and 52.3% were male (n = 130). The commonest presenting complaints were abdominal pain (76.8%), vomiting (35.1%) and food intolerance (21.6%). At least one chronic symptom was reported in 87.6% and included intermittent abdominal pain (41.2%), vomiting (12.4%) and obstipation (11.9%). Computerised tomography scanning was the most frequent imaging modality (81.4%), with a sensitivity of 97.5%. The whirlpool sign was observed in 30.9%; abnormalities of the superior mesenteric axis were the commonest finding (58.0%). Ladd's procedure was the most common surgical intervention (74.5%). There was no significant difference in resolution rates between emergency and elective procedures (p = 0.46), but length of stay was significantly shorter for elective cases. (p = 0.009). There was no significant difference in risk of mortality, or symptom resolution, between operative and conservative management (p = 0.14 and p = 0.44, respectively). CONCLUSION: Malrotation in the adult manifests with chronic symptoms and should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with abdominal pain, vomiting and food intolerance.

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.

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.

Standardized Approach to Intervention for Intestinal Malrotation in Single Ventricle Patients with Heterotaxy Syndrome: Impact on Interstage Attrition and Time to Superior Cavopulmonary Connection.

Heterotaxy syndrome (HS) is a significant determinant of outcome in single ventricle (SV) physiology. Attrition rate and time-related events associated with intestinal malrotation (IM) are, yet, to be determined. We sought to evaluate hospital and interstage outcomes in relation with operative intervention for IM (IMO). Twelve SV/HS patients, who underwent IMO, from January 2004 to December 2016, were studied. Early shunt failure, time to superior cavopulmonary connection (SCPC) and interstage attrition were assessed. Since September 2014, based on a comprehensive standardized protocol, IMO was performed at the time of hospitalization for stage-I palliation (S1P) irrespective of clinical manifestations. Patients were assigned to Group A (n = 8): expectant /symptoms-driven versus Group B (n = 4): protocol-driven. At S1P 7 had systemic-to-pulmonary shunt (SPS), 1 SPS with anomalous pulmonary venous return (APVR) repair (Group A) compared to 2 SPS, 1 SPS with APVR repair and 1 Norwood operation (Group B). Median duration from S1P to IMO was 82 days (range 57-336; Group A) compared to 14 days (range 11-31; Group B); p < 0.05. Median age at IMO was 87 days (range 8-345) [Group A: 99 days (range 68-345) vs Group B: 25 days (range 8-39)] (p < 0.05). Early SPS failure occurred in 25% (2 of 8) for Group A compared to none in Group B (p < 0.05). Hospital mortality following IMO was 25% [Group A: 37.5% (3 of 8) vs Group B: 0; p < 0.05]. Interstage survival was 67% [Group A: 50% (4 of 8) vs Group B: 100%; p < 0.05]. Time to SCPC following S1P was 186 days (range 169-218) for Group A compared to 118 days (range 97-161) (Group B); p < 0.05. Operative intervention for IM in SV/HS is associated with significant interstage attrition and might impact the time to SCPC. SPS is at risk for early failure after IMO. A comprehensive standardized concept can mitigate detrimental implications.

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.

Malrotation: Age-Related Differences in Reoperation Rate.

OBJECTIVE: Intestinal malrotation classically presents in the neonatal period with bilious vomiting. However, population studies suggest that up to two-thirds of these patients are diagnosed later in childhood or in adulthood. Increased morbidity in the adult population has been reported. Local experience suggested that surgery was technically more difficult in older children and led to the hypothesis that it would be associated with increased morbidity. METHODS: A retrospective case note analysis was performed on all children presenting with intestinal malrotation to a tertiary referral center between January 2002 and November 2014. Case notes and operation records were reviewed and those who underwent laparotomy for confirmed malrotation were included. Children were grouped as infants (< 1 year) and older (> 1 year). The primary outcome was total emergency reoperation rate. Secondary outcomes were requirement for a bypass at reoperation and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 131 children with malrotation were identified (104 infants, 27 older children; 78 males; age range, 0-16 years). Overall, 13 patients had emergency reoperation following initial Ladd procedure (6 infants and 7 older children). Risk for reoperation was significantly higher in older children (p = 0.005) and additionally a bypass procedure was more often required in older children than infants (4 children, 2 infants, p = 0.016). Adhesiolysis was required on four occasions and redo Ladd procedure in two; these were evenly distributed between both groups. One child was found to have distal bowel obstruction at reoperation. There were three deaths (2.3%), all in the infant group. One was directly associated with malrotation with extensive bowel necrosis. The other two died of unrelated sepsis several months later. CONCLUSIONS: Malrotation surgery in older children is associated with a significantly higher emergency reoperation rate. The primary duodenal bypass procedure should always be considered with longstanding chronic intermittent obstruction associated with malrotation if the simple Ladd procedure is deemed inadequate.

Potentially preventable infant and child deaths identified at autopsy; findings and implications.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine the proportion of pediatric deaths investigated by HM Coronial autopsy which were potentially preventable deaths due to treatable natural disease, and what implications such findings may have for health policies to reduce their occurrence. METHODS: A retrospective study of 1779 autopsies of individuals between 7 days and 14 years of age requested by HM Coroner, taking place in one specialist pediatric autopsy center, was undertaken. Cases were included if they involved a definite natural disease process in which appropriate recognition and treatment was likely to have affected their outcome. Strict criteria were used and cases were excluded where the individual had any longstanding condition which might have predisposed them to, or altered the recognition of, acute illness, or its response to therapy. RESULTS: Almost 8% (134/1779) of the study group were potentially preventable deaths as a result of natural disease, the majority occurring in children younger than 2 years of age. Most individuals reported between 1 and 7 days of symptoms before their death, and the majority had sought medical advice during this period, including from general practitioners within working hours, and hospital emergency departments. Of those who had sought medical attention, around one-third had done so more than once (28%, 15/53). Sepsis and pneumonia accounted for the majority of deaths (46 and 34% respectively), with all infections (sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis) accounting for 110/134 (82%). CONCLUSION: Around 10% of pediatric deaths referred to HM Coroner are potentially preventable, being the result of treatable natural acute illnesses. In many cases medical advice had been sought during the final illness. The results highlight how a review of autopsy data can identify significant findings with the potential to reduce mortality, and the importance of centralized investigation and reporting of pediatric deaths.

Management of acute sigmoid volvulus: short- and long-term results.

AIM: The best form of prophylactic management of a decompressed sigmoid volvulus (SV) is controversial especially in the elderly. We have studied our experience with this condition to assess the short- and long-term results of SV management. METHOD: All patients treated for SV in our department between 2003 and 2013 were retrospectively included. Emergency decompression was attempted in all patients in whom there was no sign of peritonitis. Planned surgical resection was the procedure of choice in young patients. Percutaneous endoscopic colopexy (PEC) was used in high surgical risk patients. RESULTS: There were 65 patients (45 males) of median age 71.5 (24-99) years. Non-surgical reduction was performed in 62 with a success rate of 95% (59/62). Recurrence after initial decompression was 67% at a median follow-up of 5 (1-14) years. A prophylactic surgical resection was performed with primary anastomosis in 33 patients. There were no deaths and the major morbidity rate was 6%. At a mean follow-up of 62 months, only 1 (3%) patient had had a recurrence (at 130 months). PEC was performed in six patients of median age 90 (84-99) years and with a median American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 4. Complications included local site infection (n = 2), pain (n = 1) and abdominal wall bleeding (n = 1). After a median follow-up of 2 (1-4) years, three patients died from medical causes and one recurrence occurred 13 months after removal of the PEC tube. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic treatment after initial decompression of SV results in a low rate of recurrence. Planned sigmoid resection is safe and effective. In frail elderly patients, PEC is satisfactory.

Volvulus without malposition--a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: This is a single-center case series about the rare condition of volvulus without malposition and/or malrotation (VWM) in preterm babies. We focus on diagnostic difficulties, and our results should help to distinguish VWM as a distinct entity different from classical volvulus and segmental volvulus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical chart review of infants with VWM from 2003-2012 was used. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients were identified. All of them had volvulus in the absence of intestinal malposition or other associated intestinal pathologies. All patients were born prematurely. Emergency laparotomy was necessary in all 15 patients. Two groups were identified. Group 1 includes four patients with typical signs of meconium obstruction of prematurity (MOP). Small bowel resection was only necessary in one of these four patients, all survived without residual intestinal lesions. Group 2 consists of 11 patients without signs of MOP-small bowel resection and temporary enterostomy were necessary in all these children. Four patients presented with pneumatosis intestinalis on the abdominal plain film, suggesting necrotizing enterocolitis. Although two infants died, the survivors showed complete recovery. CONCLUSIONS: VWM is a distinct disease of prematurity. When associated with MOP, VWM has a favorable outcome of treatment. In contrast, VWM occurring in the absence of signs of meconium obstruction requires small bowel resection. VWM primarily affects the top of the midgut (ileum). Because of absent malposition, presentation of VWM may be uncharacteristic. Pneumatosis intestinalis in advanced VWM may lead to diagnostic difficulties and a delay in treatment.

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.

Early prediction of complex midgut volvulus in neonates and infants.

INTRODUCTION: Prognosis of midgut volvulus in neonates and infants younger than 1 year remains poor, as diagnostic findings may not be apparent until gut infarction had occurred. To characterize factors that help to predict complex midgut volvulus early was aim of this study. METHODS: Institutionally approved retrospective analysis of all children younger than 1 year treated for midgut volvulus at the author's center from January 2002 to December 2011. Medical history, symptoms, laboratory and radiologic findings as well as sequelae of midgut volvulus were evaluated. RESULTS: In 10 years, 37 children fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of these, 43% developed complications, and mortality rate was 16%. In 30% of the patients, the only clinical sign was a sudden worsening of the general condition and abdominal distension (complex 19% vs. simple 38%). In one child with simple midgut volvulus, all clinical, laboratory and radiologic signs were negative. CART analysis identified a base excess below -1.70 and preterm birth (<36 weeks) as the best discriminators of complex and simple midgut volvulus. A score >1pt (comprised of these two factors) was found in all children with complex and in 14% of simple midgut volvulus (p < 0.001). A positive score (>1pt) offers a sensitivity of 100% (81.7-100%), specificity of 85.7% (71.8-85.7%), a PPV of 84.2% (68.8-84.2%) and NPV 100% (83.8-100%). DISCUSSION: The study shows that midgut volvulus has a substantial morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, not all affected children get picked up by history, laboratory and imaging. However, the proposed score helps to identify subject with increased risk of complications. It has the potential to facilitate and accelerate diagnosis of complex midgut volvulus; ultimately, it might help to reduce morbidity and mortality.