Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical presentation and management of sigmoid volvulus in children, focusing on endoscopic reduction. In this retrospective multicenter study, we reviewed the charts of 13 patients with sigmoid volvulus. We recorded clinical symptoms, diagnostic methods, endoscopic or surgical therapy, and outcome. The children (seven girls, six boys) had a median age of 12.8 years (range, 15 months to 17 years) at initial presentation. Eight patients had associated diseases (e.g., chronic constipation, mental retardation, or myopathy). The initial symptoms were abdominal pain (13/13), abdominal distension (11/13), and vomiting (7/13), which were associated with abdominal tenderness in all patients. Abdominal X-ray showed dilated sigmoid loops and air-fluid levels in all patients. Endoscopic reduction by exsufflation was successful without any complications in 12 patients, whereas the youngest patient underwent a first-line sigmoidectomy. Recurrence occurred in 7/12 patients after endoscopic exsufflation. Finally, 11 patients underwent a sigmoidectomy.
Conclusion: Although rare in children, sigmoid volvulus should be advocated when abdominal pain is associated with dilated sigmoid loops. Sigmoidoscopic exsufflation can be considered as the first-line management in the absence of perforation. However, sigmoidectomy is often required for prevention of recurrence.
What is Known: • Sigmoid volvulus is uncommon in childhood. • Diagnosis is often missed or delayed. |
What is New: • This is the first pediatric series showing that endoscopic exsufflation is an efficient and safe treatment option. • Elective sigmoid resection with primary anastomosis is often required to prevent recurrence. |
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Abbreviations
- CIPO:
-
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction
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Author’s contributions
Dr Rebeuh has contributed to this work and has submitted 4 patients in this series. Dr Gottrand and Dr Michaud have contributed to this work and have submitted two patients in this series. Dr Kalach has contributed to this work and has submitted two patients in this series. Dr Djeddi has contributed to this work and submitted one patient in this series. Dr Le Henaff has contributed to this work and has submitted one patient in this series. Dr Rebouissoux has contributed to this work and has submitted one patient in this series. Dr Robert has contributed to this work and has submitted one patient in this series. Dr Colinet and Dr Paquot have contributed to this work and submitted one patient in this series. Dr Colinet have collected all the data and written this article in collaboration with Dr Michaud and Dr Gottrand.
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Communicated by Jaan Toelen
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Colinet, S., Rebeuh, J., Gottrand, F. et al. Presentation and endoscopic management of sigmoid volvulus in children. Eur J Pediatr 174, 965–969 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-015-2489-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-015-2489-5