A RARE CASE OF SIGMOID VOLVULUS IN PREGNANCY

Abstract

Sigmoid volvulus is an extremely rare cause of intestinal obstruction in pregnancy. The rarity of the condition and the fact that pregnancy itself clouds the clinical picture invariably leads to a delay in diagnosis with an increased risk of gangrene of the gut. The majority of these patients would then require resection and colostomy. However, an early diagnosis and intervention as in our patient, which would require a high index of clinical suspicion, could significantly improve the outcome of the fetus and the mother. A 36 weeks primi came with intestinal obstruction diagnosed as sigmoid volvulus, Exploration shows viable bowel, so resection and anastomosis done. Since the initial report by Braun in 1885, it is estimated that less than 85 cases have been reported in the world literature however, since 2005, only five cases have been reported. We present this case for its rarity and the significance of clinical suspicion and early diagnosis.