The Sigmoid Colon in Zambians

Abstract

Volvulus of the sigmoid colon is common among Zambians where it is the commonest cause of large gut obstruction (Subrananian and Wosornu,1979). The aetiology is unknown, but there are various theories and Hall- Graggs (1960) thinks that the anatomical peculiarities, diet and the way of feeding play a role. In the present study, four (4) anatomical variables in the sigmoid colon of zambians have been measured. Four variables were measured in the sigmoid colon of 103 Zambians (73 men). The mean results were as follows:- Length 32.9cm (men), 29.5cm (women) ; heicht of mesentery 8.2cm in both sexes; length of attachment of the mesentery was 10.3cm (men) 10.8cm (women) and thickness 3.Omm in both sexes. The findings are inconclusive throwing no light on the aetiology of sigmoid volvulus..