Recurrent volvulus of the transverse colon after sigmoid resection.

摘要

Dear Editor:Volvulus of the large bowel is a relatively rare cause of colonic obstruction in Western countries, with an incidence of up to 6%. Volvulus of the colon is mostly located in the sigmoid (43-80%) and caecum (15-43%). Rarely, a volvulus of the transverse colon or splenic flexure occurs due to fixation of this part of the colon by the phrenicocolic, gastrocolic and splenocolic ligaments.Risk factors for developing large bowel volvulus are congenital anatomical variations such as increased colonic length and abnormal fixation, Chagas disease resulting in megacolon, chronic constipation, distal obstruction such as carcinoma of the sigmoid, previous abdominal surgery and pregnancy. There is a male predominance and a geographical variation, with a higher incidence in African, Asian and Eastern countries.