Sigmoid volvulus in pregnancy: Current approach in diagnosis and treatment

Background/Aim: Sigmoid volvulus (SV) is an uncommon disease worldwide, while SV complicating pregnancy extremely rare. The aim of this study to evaluate the current diagnostic and therapeutic options in during a case series. Methods: clinical data 1,046 patients with SV, including 11 pregnant women, were reviewed retrospectively. Age, gestation period, previous history volvulus, presence comorbidities, duration complaints, symptoms, signs, tools, treatment procedures prognosis noted. Rigid or flexible sigmoidoscopy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used diagnosis, abdominal X-ray computerized tomography (CT) avoided. Stable treated endoscopic decompression, emergent surgery was needed complicated cases necrosis, peritonitis, unsuccessful decompression. Results: mean age 31.0 years (24-39 years). All multiparous. Of patients, 6 (54.5%) third trimester, 4 (36.4%) second 1 (9.1%) first trimester. diagnosed by endoscopy (54.5%), 2 (18.2%), laparotomy 3 (27.3%) patients. decompressed sigmoidoscopy, 5 (45.5%) surgery. One patient lost due toxic shock arising from sigmoid stillbirth developed following surgical procedure same case. Conclusion: Although common findings pain, obstipation distention are prominent features some may cloud pathology pregnancy. We recommend MRI diagnosis suspected SV. enlarged uterus generally thought as impediment factor for currently preferred uncomplicated non-gangrenous gangrenous required emergency regardless period.