ABSTRACT
Objective. To evaluate the outcome of treatment ofpatients with sigmoid volvulus in the Polokwane-Mankweng Hospital and to identify the best managementoptions for these patients. Methods. A retrospective study was undertaken of 85patients with sigmoid volvulus treated in Polokwane-Mankweng Hospital during the period July 1997 - May2004. Results.In total, 85 patients were evaluated (77 malesand 8 females, male/female ratio 9:1). The age range was7 - 80 years (mean 42 years). Sigmoidoscopic derotationwas attempted in 17 patients, and was successful in 10patients. Laparotomy was done in 84 patients, viz. 75emergencies and 9 electives. During laparotomy, gan-grenous sigmoid colon was found in 30 patients and viablesigmoid in 54 patients. Resection with primary anastomo-sis was done in 44 patients. Hartmann's procedure wasperformed in 33 patients. Sigmoidopexy was done in 7patients. Total hospital mortality was 6% (5 deaths).Mortality in the 84 operated cases was 5% (4 deaths). Conclusions.There was no mortality in patients undergo-ing elective resection and primary anastomosis aftersuccessful preoperative deflation and in patients withviable sigmoid volvulus who underwent an emergencyHartmann's procedure. There was low mortality in thosepatients with resection and primary anastomosis on viablesigmoid (3%, 1:39). The highest mortality (1:5) occurredin cases of resection and primary anastomosis of gan-grenous sigmoid colon