Factors precipitating volvulus formation in sigmoid volvulus

BACKGROUND: Sigmoid volvulus (SV), the wrapping of the sigmoid colon around itself, is a rare intestinal obstruction form worldwide. For this reason, the physiopathology of SV, particularly the precipitating factors, are not clearly identified. The aim of this study is to evaluate the precipitating factors in SV. METHODS: The clinical records of consecutive 416 patients with SV were reviewed prospectively from January 1986 to July 2020. As a control, the records of consecutive 100 patients with non-volvulus intestinal obstruction were reviewed prospectively in the past 24 months. The premorbid symptoms including acute diarrhea, sudden and excessive body motions, overeating after a prolonged starvation, coughing spell, and labor was evaluated. RESULTS: Among the premorbid symptoms, 1–5-day interval of diarrhea (42 patients, 10.1%, p<0.05), harvesting activation (35 patients, 8.4%, p<0.05), and overeating after Ramadan fasting (31 patients, 7.5%, p<0.05) were found to be statistically significant precipitating factors in SV. CONCLUSION: Although there are few studies about the precipitating factors of SV in the literature, increased bowel motility, excessive body motions, and overeating following a prolonged starvation look like the precipitating factors in the development of SV.