Why Is Sigmoid Volvulus More Common?

Sigmoid volvulus is more common in Africa, as the food intake is of high fiber and the base of the sigmoid mesentery in the African population is narrow compared with other ethnic groups, leading to an anatomical situation that makes the population more susceptible to developing a sigmoid volvulus.

Why is sigmoid volvulus common?

Sigmoid volvulus may occur because of sigmoid elongation, resulting in a redundant loop. Most commonly, this is the result of chronic constipation and the progressive dilatation and lengthening of the sigmoid colon and its mesentery.

Why is sigmoid volvulus more common in men?

Irregular bowel behaviour in males, combined with the population's consumption of high fibre diets producing flatus and bulky stools, appears to overload the sigmoid colon, which elongates and dilates gradually, and subsequently undergoes volvulus occasionally.