CHRONIC SIGMOID VOLVULUS

Abstract

Sigmoid volvulus generally presents as either an acute fulminant colonic obstruction progressing to gangrene and shock in
twenty-four hours or a sub-acute presentation with a complete colonic obstruction of about two to three days duration. However, chronic sigmoid volvulus as a cause of chronic persistent abdominal distension and constipation, to our knowledge, has
not been described in patients who otherwise have no preexisting colonic dysmotility disease. We present three patients with
chronic persistent abdominal distension and constipation due to chronic sigmoid volvulus . Their clinical presentation, means
of diagnosis, intraoperative findings, and treatment are discussed.