Sigmoid volvulus in childhood: report of six cases.

Sigmoid volvulus is a common cause of large-bowel obstruction in elderly individuals, but is quite rare in childhood. We report six cases in patients under 20 years of age. One had Hirschprung's disease. Gangrenous sigmoid colon was found in three cases and resection was performed. Sigmoidopexy (one case) and extraperitonealization (two cases) were performed for viable sigmoid colon. There were no recurrences after 5.7 years of follow-up.