Retrospective analysis on mortality and morbidity in sigmoid volvulus
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Rosenberg, Boris
Basra, Pavun
Hudson, Murray
Koizia, Louis
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Purpose: Sigmoid volvulus usually occurs in frailer patients with comorbidities, and can be
associated with recurrence. Our exploratory study assesses long-term outcomes in this cohort.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed records of patients admitted with sigmoid volvulus to two
inner-city acute surgical units from 2016 to 2023, noting clinical frailty scale (CFS), number of
readmissions, treatment and 12-month mortality.
Results: 75 patients met our criteria. Mean age was 74-years and median CFS was 5. 48% of
subsequent readmissions were related to sigmoid volvulus. 12-month mortality post initial
presentation was 19%; this figure was 50% in patients with CFS >7. 36% of people were operated
on, either during the first or a subsequent admission (only 3 of whom had CFS >5), with 0%
mortality.
Conclusions: Higher mortality and functional decline was observed among patients presenting
with sigmoid volvulus, however short-to-medium term survival was better in operated patients,
although this may be due to selection basis. The sub-group of frail patients who were operated on
was too small to meaningfully conclude outcomes in this sub-group. The high mortality rate among
sigmoid volvulus patients with CFS>7 may encourage a move towards early advanced-care
planning and palliation, avoiding the burden of subsequent readmissions.
associated with recurrence. Our exploratory study assesses long-term outcomes in this cohort.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed records of patients admitted with sigmoid volvulus to two
inner-city acute surgical units from 2016 to 2023, noting clinical frailty scale (CFS), number of
readmissions, treatment and 12-month mortality.
Results: 75 patients met our criteria. Mean age was 74-years and median CFS was 5. 48% of
subsequent readmissions were related to sigmoid volvulus. 12-month mortality post initial
presentation was 19%; this figure was 50% in patients with CFS >7. 36% of people were operated
on, either during the first or a subsequent admission (only 3 of whom had CFS >5), with 0%
mortality.
Conclusions: Higher mortality and functional decline was observed among patients presenting
with sigmoid volvulus, however short-to-medium term survival was better in operated patients,
although this may be due to selection basis. The sub-group of frail patients who were operated on
was too small to meaningfully conclude outcomes in this sub-group. The high mortality rate among
sigmoid volvulus patients with CFS>7 may encourage a move towards early advanced-care
planning and palliation, avoiding the burden of subsequent readmissions.
Date Acceptance
2025-11-07
Citation
Cogent Gerontology
ISSN
2832-4897
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Group
Journal / Book Title
Cogent Gerontology
Copyright Statement
Copyright This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the Version of Record (VoR) will be available on immediate open access.
License URL
Publication Status
Accepted