Volvulus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| ICD-10 | K56.2 |
|---|---|
| ICD-9 | 537.3, 560.2 |
A volvulus is a loop of the bowel whose nose has twisted on itself.[1] The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary defines volvulus slightly differently as "abnormal twisting of the intestine causing obstruction," which adds obstruction in the definition, and would be more clinically significant term.[2] It results in ischemia (loss of blood flow) and the accumulation of gas and fluid in the portion of the bowel obstructed.[3] Ultimately, this can result in the death of tissues (necrosis, gangrene) of the blood starved tissue and requires immediate surgical intervention (jejunectomy, ileostomy, colostomy, bowel resection).[4]
Volvulus occurs most frequently in middle-aged and elderly men.[5]
Sigmoid volvulus is the most-common form of volvulus of the gastrointestinal tract and is responsible for 8% of all intestinal obstructions. Sigmoid volvulus is particularly common in elderly persons and constipated patient. Patients experience abdominal pain, distension, and absolute constipation.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005
- ^ The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary. KMLE Medical Dictionary Definition of volvulus.
- ^ Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005
- ^ Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005
- ^ Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005
- Gylys, Barbara A. and Mary Ellen Wedding, Medical Terminology Systems, F.A. Davis Company, 2005.
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