| Volvulus | |
|---|---|
| Classification and external resources | |
An xray of a person with a small bowel volvulus. |
|
| ICD-10 | K56.2 |
| ICD-9 | 537.3, 560.2 |
| DiseasesDB | 13996 |
| eMedicine | ped/2415 |
| MeSH | D045822 |
A volvulus is a bowel obstruction[1] with a loop of bowel whose nose has abnormally twisted on itself.[2]
Contents |
Regardless of cause, volvulus causes symptoms by two mechanisms.
Volvulus causes severe pain and progressive injury to the intestinal wall, with accumulation of gas and fluid in the portion of the bowel obstructed.[2] Ultimately, this can result in necrosis of the affected intestinal wall, acidosis, and death. Acute volvulus therefore requires immediate surgical intervention to untwist the affected segment of bowel and possibly resect any unsalvageable portion.[2]
Volvulus occurs most frequently in middle-aged and elderly men.[2] Volvulus can also arise as a rare complication in persons with redundant colon, a normal anatomic variation resulting in extra colonic loops.[3]
Sigmoid volvulus is the most-common form of volvulus of the gastrointestinal tract[4] and is responsible for 8% of all intestinal obstructions. Sigmoid volvulus is particularly common in elderly persons and constipated patients. Patients experience abdominal pain, distension, and absolute constipation.
The volvulus can also occur in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy due to the smooth muscle dysfunction.
Midgut volvulus occurs in patients (usually in infants) that are predisposed because of congenital intestinal malrotation. Segmental volvulus occurs in patients of any age, usually with a predisposition because of abnormal intestinal contents (e.g. meconium ileus) or adhesions. Volvulus of the cecum, transverse colon, or sigmoid colon occurs, usually in adults, with only minor predisposing factors such as redundant (excess, inadequately supported) intestinal tissue and constipation.