Background

This study evaluated the outcomes of colonic volvulus management in a national cohort, and identified risk factors for morbidity and mortality.

Methods

This was a multicentre national retrospective study of patients presenting with colonic volvulus between 2010 and 2019. Main outcome measures were 30-day and 1-year mortality. Multivariable regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to study predictors of mortality and survival.

Results

Of the 559 patients presenting with sigmoid volvulus, 381 underwent surgery and 178 received conservative treatment. The 30-day mortality rates were 11.0% and 19.0%, respectively. Emergency surgery (P = 0.030), nursing home residence (P = 0.040), increased co-morbidity (P = 0.017), and male sex (P = 0.029) predicted postoperative 30-day mortality. Primary endoscopic detorsion followed by elective surgery during a subsequent hospital admission resulted in best survival. Of the 342 patients presenting with caecal volvulus, 340 underwent surgery. The 30-day mortality rate was 6.4%. Increased co-morbidity (P = 0.008), nursing home residence (P = 0.002), and necrotic caecum (P = 0.007) predicted 30-day mortality. At 1 year, the mortality rate among patients with sigmoid volvulus was 19.9% after surgery and 43.2% after conservative treatment. Emergency surgery (P = 0.023), nursing home residence (P = 0.009), and increased co-morbidity (P < 0.001) were associated with 1-year postoperative mortality. In patients with caecal volvulus the 1-year mortality rate was 13.1%. Increased co-morbidity (P < 0.001) and nursing home residence (P < 0.001) were predictive. Anastomotic leakage in patients with sigmoid volvulus was associated with an American Society of Anesthesiologists fitness grade of III (P = 0.032) and total colectomy (P = 0.012).

Conclusion

Surgery should be recommended for colonic volvulus where co-morbidity, patient preference, and functional status allows. Surgically unfit patients have poorer outcomes. Elective sigmoidectomy after endoscopic detorsion is preferred as it carries the lowest mortality risk. Necrotic bowel, dependency, and co-morbidities predict death for both sigmoid and caecal volvulus.