The Human Sigmoid- A Study in South Indian Cadavers

Abstract

BACKGROUND Knowledge of sigmoid colon is of importance while treating patients with carcinoma of rectum. 1 Sigmoid colon is often preferred as a site for colostomy. Mobility of sigmoid colon also makes it suitable for implantation of the ureter after surgical removal of bladder. Sigmoid colon shows great variation in its length giving rise to complications such as volvulus and diverticulitis, 1 both of these conditions being common among Indian Population. Factors attributing to the condition include the length of the sigmoid colon, its position, the sigmoid mesocolon and its attachments. 2 The study aims to record the morphometry of the sigmoid colon in both male and female cadavers of Chennai, and to correlate the morphometry with previous literature. We also wanted to reaffirm the relevance of the past morphometric literature with the current measurements with regard to region and biological gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a descriptive study. 20 male and 10 female cadavers were dissected by first year M.B.B.S. students following standard dissection procedures and before the intestines were displaced, the study was conducted. Measurements were taken using inch tape and gross variations were noted and photographed. RESULTS 2% variation was observed with regard to relation to the site of the sigmoid colon. Various other measurements correlated with those of other previous studies. Previous studies show that irrespective of the dating of the studies, they are still relevant in current scenario to help and guide in invasive and surgical procedures of the sigmoid colon. CONCLUSION The relevance of previous studies irrespective of the decade of study has been established. Clinicians need to consider all the previous data for interventional procedures being done currently and should be planned on a daily basis.