VOLVULUS OF THE TRANSVERSE COLON - REPORT OF 3 CASES

Volvulus of the transverse colon is a very rare entity, representing 1 to 3.4 % of all volvuli of the colon. We report three cases illustrat ing the problems of this pathology. The presentation is usually acute, leading to prompt surgery. Multiple etiologies may be combined: conge nital malrotations of the gut, chronic constipation in the elderly enh anced by psychiatric medications, and mechanical by adhesion bands whi ch help to create anomalous rotation axes for the volvulus. The best t reatment must be surgical, and we recommend an aggressive approach : a n extended right colectomy, which gave good results in our patients.