Volvulus - Symptoms and Surgerry

What is this condition?

Volvulus is a 180-degree or more twist of the intestine. The twist pinches blood vessels and cuts off the blood supply to that section of the bowel.

What causes it?

The twist may be caused by an unusual curve in the intestine, something swallowed, or an adhesion. In some cases, however, the cause is unknown. The most common site, especially in adults, is the S-shaped section of the intestine before it reaches the rectum. In children, volvulus usually occurs in the small bowel.

What are its symptoms?

Without immediate treatment, volvulus can lead to strangulation of the twisted bowel loop, loss of blood supply, deterioration, perforation, and fatal peritonitis when the bowel material infects the abdominal cavity.

How is it diagnosed?

The doctor will recognize the person’s description of sudden, severe abdominal pain and can probably feel the bulge of the intestine. Other special tests include the following:

• Barium enema X-ray shows typical volvulus shapes.
• The person’s white blood cell count will be higher than normal.

How is it Treated?

Surgery is recommended for children with midgut volvulus. For adults with lower colon volvulus, the doctor will use a scope to check for packed feces. If possible, the doctor removes the blockage by inserting a scope or a long rectal tube to deflate the bowel.

If volvolus surgery is required and the bowel is distended but healthy, the surgeon will untwist the bowel. If there’s tissue damage, the damaged part will be cut away and the healthy intestine reconnected.