Tranverse colon volvulus

Abstract

The volvulus of the colon is a relatively common cause of colonic obstruction, mainly in the sigmoid colon, less frequent in the caecum, and rarely in the transverse colon. Multidetector tomography (MDCT) is able to establish the diagnosis showing dilated loops of proximal right and transverse colon, which depend on the time scale of evolution, with an abrupt transition site at the splenic flexure and a secondary torsion of the transverse colon mesentery. Volvulus of the transverse requires surgical detorsion in adults. Among the therapeutic options, simple detorsion or detorsion associated with a colopexy are included, but both have high rates of recurrence compared to resection techniques. Surgical resection of the involved segment is required prior to gangrene and perforation. Resection with or without primary anastomosis is the treatment of choice and prevents recurrence. The transverse colon volvulus is a disease of very low frequency and clinical diagnosis may be difficult. The management remains controversial. We stress that although many surgeons will never see a case of transverse colon volvulus, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis of intermittent abdominal pain or acute intestinal obstruction.