Chronic Sigmoid Volvulus

Sigmoid volvulus generally presents as either an acute fulminant colonic obstruction progressing to gangrene and shock in twenty-four hours or a sub-acute presentation with a complete colonic obstruction of about two to three days duration. However, chronic sigmoid volvulus as a cause of chronic persistent abdominal distension and constipation, to our knowledge, has not been described in patients who otherwise have no preexisting colonic dysmotility disease. We present three patients with chronic persistent abdominal distension and constipation due to chronic sigmoid volvulus . Their clinical presentation, means of diagnosis, intraoperative findings, and treatment are discussed.