Volvulus Complicating Pregnancy and the Puerperium

Labour Complicated by Intestinal Volvulus

“…This made the diagnosis extremely difficult, particularly as the clinical picture simulated that of a concealed accidental haemorrhage. Goodall and Weir (1958) state that the most common site for intestinal volvulus is the sigmoid colon, followed by other parts of the large intestine and then the small intestine. However, according to Roles (1965), volvulus of the small intestine is the commonest cause of acute intestinal obstruction in Kenya and this has been ascribed tot dietary habits and congenital mesenteric abnormalities which may be aggravated by pregnancy.…”

Abdominal surgical emergencies in the puerperium.

“…6 The commonest cause is adhesions from a previous laparotomy, usually for acute appendicitis,7 which are most likely to trap bowel (or provide an axis for a volvulus) during the changes in abdominal organ position that follow parturition. Volvulus of large bowel8 9 and of small bowel'0 is seen occasionally during the puerperium.…”