Single center experience on colonic volvulus; Is CT necessary for diagnosis?

INTRODUCTION: Colonic volvulus is rare but hazardous cause of bowel obstruction. We tried in this study to assess efficacy of plain x-ray and endoscopic decompression in diagnosis and treatment, respectively.
METHODS: A total of 34 patients diagnosed with colonic volvulus were retrospectively analyzed and success rates of endoscopic decompression were noted. Descriptive statistics for continuous variables were expressed as Mean±Standard Deviation and Median (Min-Max), and it is expressed as number and percentage for categorical variables. Correlations between some parameters in colonic volvulus patients were examined.
RESULTS: A total of 34 patients, 76% (n = 26) male and 24% (n = 8) female, were included in the study. All patients except those with mucosal necrosis underwent successful colonoscopic detorsion (n=29; 85%). Plain x-ray alone was sufficient for diagnosis in 94%.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: A total of 34 patients, 76% (n = 26) male and 24% (n = 8) female, were included in the study. All patients except those with mucosal necrosis underwent successful colonoscopic detorsion (n=29; 85%). Plain x-ray alone was sufficient for diagnosis in 94%. Colonoscopic detorsion, by gaining time for elective surgery, is an effective treatment modality and computed tomography (CT) is not necessary for diagnosis in colonic volvulus.