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Sigmoid volvulus in pregnancy
Abstract
A 27-year-old woman, gravida 1, was seen at our surgical emergency department with abdominal pain at 25 weeks' gestation. She had pain, nausea and vomiting, a temperature of 37°C and a blood pressure of 100/70 mmHg. The cervix was closed, and an ultrasound scan showed a normal single fetus. A plain abdominal radiograph showed distension of the colon and a sigmoid volvulus. At emergency laparotomy, non-gangrenous sigmoid colon was resected with primary anastomosis. There were no complications, and 4 months later the patient delivered a healthy infant. Early diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus in pregnancy and prompt intervention minimise maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.
SAJS, VOL 49, NO. 4, NOVEMBER 2011
SAJS, VOL 49, NO. 4, NOVEMBER 2011
