Pregnancy with sigmoid volvulus: A case report with literature review

Abstract

Sigmoid volvulus refers to torsion of a segment of the alimentary tract, which often leads to bowel obstruction and ischemic changes. Sigmoid volvulus is an acute surgical emergency because delay in diagnosis and management can cause adverse maternal and fetal complications. Sigmoid volvulus typically presents with acute-on-chronic abdominal distension that may develop slowly over 3-4 days. An early and effective resuscitation with fluid replacement, electrolyte balance correction, prophylactic antibiotics and nasogastric decompression is necessary. The standard goals of treatment are to relieve the obstruction, avoid colonic ischemia, and prevent recurrence either by endoscopic decompression or resection with primary anastomosis. A pregnant woman with sigmoid volvulus at 34 weeks and 1 day of gestation presented to our hospital with abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. The patient was jointly surgically managed with laparotomy, cesarean section, and detorsion of the sigmoid volvulus, and was discharged in a healthy state on the 5th postoperative day.