Recurrent Sigmoid Volvulus Treated by Colonoscopic Reduction

matory response, gradually subsided. The patient resumed a regular diet on the 24th day, and was discharged on the 42nd day. He has remained under regular review as an outpatient, but has not shown any signs of recurrence. Dear Sir, A 49-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a history of melena. The patient had a previous history of surgery for a left adrenal tumor and chronic constipation. Colonoscopy demonstrated a rectal ulcer with bleeding. Endoscopic hemostasis was successfully accomplished with a hemoclip. Conservative therapy was instituted following the procedure. On the 8th hospital day, a liquid diet was started, because a follow-up colonoscopy revealed satisfactory healing of the ulcer. However, the patient did not pass stools even after the administration of laxatives. On the tenth day, he complained of abdominal pain. Abdominal X-ray showed dilated bowel loops with ‘coffee bean’ sign appearance ( fig. 1 ) [1] . We made the diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus and attempted a colonoscopic reduction as the initial nonoperative treatment [2] . The reduction was successful, associated with a dramatic reduction of the symptoms. Although the patient was started on parenteral nutrition and intravenous antibiotics after the reduction treatment, the volvulus recurred three times on the 12th, 13th and 18th hospital days. Each recurrence was treated by colonoscopic reduction, and no necrotic tissues were observed endoscopically. After a series of recurrences, the symptoms, along with the inflamPublished online: June 24, 2010