To Klancee--A volvulus is a twist, in other words, my colon twisted, didn't untwist, its blood supply got cut off, and the tissue in the twist died. Surgery saved my life--it was done at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla NY. I was given an ileostomy so that what was left of my colon had time to heal. I wanted to have the re-connection done at another hospital (Columbia Presbyterian in NYC) but was told that surgeons didn't pick up other surgeons' cases half way through.

Both Westchester Medical Center and Columbia Presbyterian have medical schools attached--so I assume that both have first rate doctors. Since you seem disinclined/unable to go back to the surgeon who did the ostomy, my advice is to look for someone who specializes in re-connection in your new locale. Best of luck.

PS A good surgeon is a necessary but not sufficient requirement for a successful outcome. Some quality of the patient (e.g. her particular anatomy) may mean a good outcome isn't possible, even with the best surgeon ever.