Redundant sigmoid colon and its clinical significance

Abstract

The Sigmoid colon is a ‘S’-shaped part of large intestine, connecting descending colon with rectum. It extends from left side of pelvic inlet till third Sacral vertebra. Its mesentery Sigmoid mesocolon, an inverted ‘V’ shaped fold of peritoneum suspends Sigmoid colon from posterior pelvic wall. Sigmoid colon is the most variable part of large intestine and its variations may often present with serious clinical manifestations. An unusual case of redundant loop of Sigmoid colon was observed in a male cadaver during routine dissection. The loop of Sigmoid colon was found to be extending in the abdominal cavity proper. It first ascended upwards from left iliac fossa as a continuation of descending colon till the level of duodeno-jejunal flexure and then descended downwards in the median plane to become continuous with the rectum opposite third sacral vertebra. Redundant loop of Sigmoid colon may remain unnoticed or may lead to intestinal or vascular complications. So, knowledge of variations of Sigmoid colon are of great clinical significance for Surgeons, Obstetricians and Radiologists.