Volvulus of the sigmoid colon as a complication of segmental dilatation of the colon. Report of 2 cases

Sigmoid volvulus is an unusual cause of intestinal obstruction in children. We report two cases of sigmoid volvulus as a complication of segmental dilatation of the colon occurring in two girls (5 years old and 9 years old) previously treated for chronic constipation. In both cases the constipation had been recognised since the neonatal period mimicking a Hirschsprung's disease, a diagnosis which has been excluded after rectal biopsy. The delayed diagnosis of segmental dilatation of the sigmoid colon followed the volvulus. Segmental colonic resection resulted in both cases in the cure of the constipation.