Sigmoid volvulus in childhood.

Although it is common in the adult population, sigmoid volvulus is unusual in childhood. We report the cases of four children treated for sigmoid volvulus, and we review an additional 44 cases. The mean age of occurrence was 8 years. Predisposing factors were present in 33%. Abdominal pain (66%), vomiting (31%), and obstipation (10%) were the most common symptoms. Abdominal findings included distention (69%), tenderness (41%), and a mass (10%). The classic roentgenographic omega sign of volvulus was present on plain films in only 29% of the cases. Barium enema examination was diagnostic in 61% of the cases in which it was used. Nonoperative treatment by barium enema or proctoscopy was successful in all 17 cases in which it was attempted. The recurrence rate after nonoperative treatment was 31%. Thirty children had operation. The mortality in the group of patients having "derotation" alone was 29%. Immediate resection was associated with a 25% mortality; none of the patients who had elective resection died. Sigmoid resection is the definitive treatment for children as well as adults, but nonoperative decompression to allow for elective resection should be attempted in patients who have no evidence of peritonitis.