C. Neves, D. Albuquerque, C. Andrade, Filipa Marques
2026.1.1BMJ Case Reports
tlooto Summary
A primigravida in her late 30s diagnosed with sigmoid volvulus at 25 weeks of gestation is reported, leading to an urgent caesarean section with sigmoidopexy, achieving excellent maternal and fetal outcomes.
Abstract
Intestinal volvulus during pregnancy is a rare and potentially severe cause of bowel obstruction, associated with high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms, requiring a high index of suspicion. We report a primigravida in her late 30s diagnosed with sigmoid volvulus at 25 weeks of gestation, initially treated successfully with endoscopic decompression. Recurrence occurred at 36 weeks, leading to an urgent caesarean section with sigmoidopexy, achieving excellent maternal and fetal outcomes. This case emphasises the diagnostic challenge of these acute conditions in pregnancy and underscores the need for early recognition and a coordinated multidisciplinary approach to optimise maternal-fetal outcomes.
Citation format
NEVES, C., et al. Recurrent sigmoid volvulus in pregnancy. BMJ Case Reports, 2026, 19(1): e270837.