About Untwisting in Sigmoid Volvulus
Key Highlights
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Urgent life-saving intervention to restore blood flow to the twisted colon.Relieves severe abdominal pain, distension, and obstruction.Prevents bowel gangrene, perforation, and severe infection (sepsis).Can be performed via minimally invasive (laparoscopic) or open surgical techniques.Aims to preserve bowel length and function when possible.
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus with signs of acute large bowel obstruction.
- Severe, crampy abdominal pain and significant abdominal distension (tympanitic abdomen).
- Failure of conservative or endoscopic detorsion attempts.
- Clinical or radiological signs suggesting compromised blood supply to the bowel (impending ischemia).
- Patient instability or signs of peritonitis indicating possible bowel perforation.
- Recurrent episodes of sigmoid volvulus.
How to prepare
- Emergency stabilization including intravenous (IV) fluids and electrolyte correction.
- Nasogastric tube insertion to decompress the stomach and upper bowel.
- Administration of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics.
- Informed consent process explaining the urgent nature and risks of surgery.
- Rapid pre-operative tests: Complete Blood Count (CBC), electrolytes, kidney function, and coagulation profile.
- Cross-matching of blood for potential transfusion.
- Imaging confirmation typically via abdominal X-ray or CT scan showing the "coffee bean" or "bent inner tube" sign.
Risks & possible complications
- Bowel perforation during detorsion.
- Recurrence of the volvulus if definitive resection is not performed.
- Anastomotic leak if a bowel resection and reconnection is done.
- Wound infection or surgical site infection.
- Formation of intra-abdominal abscess.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
- Adhesions causing future bowel obstructions.
- Risks associated with general anesthesia.
- In rare cases, if bowel is non-viable, a temporary colostomy may be required.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in a hospital setting with close monitoring of vital signs and bowel function.
- Pain management with IV and later oral medications.
- Progressive diet advancement from liquids to solids as bowel function returns (passage of flatus/stool).
- Early mobilization to prevent blood clots and pneumonia.
- Incision care instructions, keeping the surgical site clean and dry.
- Follow-up appointment with the surgeon to monitor healing and discuss pathology if resection was done.
- Gradual return to normal activities, avoiding heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks.
- Immediate reporting of fever, increased pain, redness at incision, or vomiting.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering untwisting in sigmoid volvulus in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for untwisting in sigmoid volvulus in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform untwisting in sigmoid volvulus. MediFyr helps you compare general surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for untwisting in sigmoid volvulus compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Untwisting in Sigmoid Volvulus in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing untwisting in sigmoid volvulus.
Ayaan Mehta, a 68-year-old retired accountant,...
Ayaan Mehta, a 68-year-old retired accountant, had a history of chronic constipation and a sedentary lifestyle. For three days, he experienced worsening, crampy abdominal pain, bloating, and an inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement. When he began vomiting, his family rushed him to the emergency room. A CT scan confirmed a sigmoid volvulus, a loop of his large intestine had twisted on itself. The general surgeon explained that without immediate intervention, the bowel could die. Ayaan was terrified of surgery but understood the urgency. He underwent a sigmoidoscopy, where a flexible tube was inserted to untwist the colon. The procedure was minimally invasive and successful. Post-procedure, he was monitored closely, started on a liquid diet, and given stool softeners. His recovery was smooth, and he was discharged after three days with a plan for dietary changes and follow-up. Emotionally, Ayaan went from fear and anxiety about a life-threatening condition to profound relief and gratitude. He felt a new lease on life and was committed to being more active and mindful of his digestive health.
General surgeons for Untwisting in Sigmoid Volvulus
Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform untwisting in sigmoid volvulus and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
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Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
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Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
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Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
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Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 18 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
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Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore