Incidence of Sigmoid Volvulus in Northern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study Design

Abstract

Aims: To determine the incidence of sigmoid volvulus in Northern Uganda. Study Design: A cross-sectional (2 years retrospective and one year prospective) study design was conducted on patients’ medical records and those admitted, surgically managed or referred from the 19 hospitals in Northern Uganda. Place and Duration of the Study: This study was conducted in 19 hospitals in Northern Uganda from January 2010 to December 2012. Methodology: A cross sectional study design with a two year retrospective and one year prospective studies were conducted to determine the incidence of sigmoid volvulus in Northern Uganda. All patients’ records with a diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus in 19 hospitals were included in the study. Ethical approval was obtained from the IRB of Gulu University Medical School and Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCS&T). Data analysis was conducted using STATA/IC version 12.1. Results: The incidence of sigmoid volvulus in Northern Uganda was 251.8 per 100,000 surgical populations in 2 years. Most cases occurred in the dry season particularly from December to April and least observed from May to November. Middle aged and elderly male were the most commonly affected. Conclusion: The incidence of sigmoid volvulus in Northern Uganda was 251.8 per 100,000 Original Research Article