THE REDUNDANT SIGMOID

THE NORMAL SIGMOID

The sigmoid flexure, more properly called the pelvic colon by the French, the segment of intestine which connects the descending colon with the rectum, is of variable length. In cases in which it was functionally normal, or, in other words, in which it was symptomless, I have seen it as short as 15 cm. (6 inches), and I have encountered it as long as 85 cm. (32 inches), while other observers have found it as long as 108 cm. (42 inches). In a series of sixty-two cases of reundant sigmoid of which I have roentgenographic records, I have not so far had occasion to observe a single instance of sigmoid over 25 cm. (10 inches) in length in which it was not the seat of either functional or organic disturbance logically attributable to redundancy. I do not assume that sigmoids of more than 25 cm. (10 inches)