Redundant Colon Sigmoidectomy Prognosis

A redundant colon refers to a large intestine that has extra loops of intestine and is longer than the average colon. In rare instances, the colon may become twisted and require surgery.

Detection

• Usually a redundant colon is just an anatomical variant that does not present any problems. In fact, you may live your whole life and never know you have a longer than normal colon. Often, a redundant colon is discovered when a patient has a colon X-ray performed to investigate symptoms of an unrelated condition.

Volvulus

• Sometimes the extra length of large intestine may become twisted and block the colon. This condition, known as a volvulus, is a rare, but serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an obstructed and twisted colon are abdominal cramps, distention, nausea, vomiting and pain in the abdomen.

Treatment

• A volvulus, or twisted colon, may require surgical removal of the part that has become twisted and obstructed. A sigmoidectomy refers specifically to the removal of a portion of the sigmoid colon, which is the S-shaped part of the large intestine found just above the rectum. A colectomy refers to a procedure to remove a part of the large intestine. Depending on where the volvulus or blockage occurs, surgical or non-surgical procedures may be used to correct the condition.

Prognosis

• If surgery is required, the treatment for sigmoid volvulus often involves removing part of the colon and rejoining it. All surgery carries risks and there is a chance leakage can occur at the place where the colon is rejoined.