Mesosigmoplasty as a definitive operation for sigmoid volvulus.

In a prospective study, 126 patients with sigmoid volvulus were treated by mesosigmoplasty during a 12-year period. Patients with sigmoid volvulus with no clinical evidence of gangrene were selected for study, and all were given a trial of non-operative reduction by proctoscopy and passage of a rectal tube. Reduction was achieved in 48 patients (38 per cent), who were subsequently treated by mesosigmoplasty as an elective procedure 1-2 weeks later. For the remaining 78 patients (62 per cent) who were not relieved by the non-operative method, emergency mesosigmoplasty was performed. There was one death in the emergency group, and two patients had a recurrence after 2 and 6 months respectively in the elective group, in whom resection was carried out. In the other 123 patients during a maximum follow-up of 12 (mean 8.2) years no recurrence was detected. Mesosigmoplasty has the advantage of low rates of mortality, morbidity and recurrence; it can be carried out as either an emergency or an elective procedure.