Sigmoid volvulus in a West African population.

The incidence, clinical presentation, etiology, and treatment of sigmoid volvulus in a West African population are described. This retrospective study, based on 146 cases in eight years, shows that the incidence of the disorder of 12 new cases per 100,000 population per year is extremely high in the area described. It also shows that good results can be obtained in the treatment of sigmoid volvulus even in suboptimal conditions in rural hospitals when adhering to sound surgical principles.