Volvulus: Definition, Causes, and Types

Definition and Causes

• Volvulus: a twisting of the intestine that can cut off blood flow and lead to tissue death
• Caused by:
  • Abnormalities in intestinal rotation during fetal development
  • Intestinal malrotation
  • Adhesions or twisting of the mesentery (membrane attaching intestine to back of abdominal wall)

Types of Volvulus

• Midgut volvulus: twisting of the small intestine, often in infants and children
• Sigmoid volvulus: twisting of the sigmoid colon, more common in adults
• Caecal volvulus: twisting of the caecum, a rare type

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain, often sudden and severe
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal tenderness
• Decreased or absent bowel sounds
• Possible bowel obstruction or perforation

Diagnosis

• Imaging studies: CT or MRI scans to visualize the intestine and detect twisting
• Upper GI series: X-ray examination of the small intestine to identify malrotation
• Endoscopy: examination of the inside of the intestine with a flexible tube and camera

Treatment

• Surgical intervention: untwisting of the intestine, possible resection of damaged tissue
• Endoscopic detorsion: untwisting of the intestine using an endoscope, possible for some cases of sigmoid volvulus
• Supportive care: management of symptoms, fluids, and electrolytes until surgical intervention

Definition and Causes

• Volvulus is a twisting of the intestine that can cut off blood flow and lead to tissue death.
• Abnormalities in intestinal rotation during fetal development can cause volvulus.
• Intestinal malrotation can lead to volvulus.
• Adhesions or twisting of the mesentery, a membrane attaching the intestine to the back of the abdominal wall, can also cause volvulus.

Types of Volvulus

• Midgut volvulus is a twisting of the small intestine, which often occurs in infants and children.
• Sigmoid volvulus is a twisting of the sigmoid colon, which is more common in adults.
• Caecal volvulus is a twisting of the caecum, a rare type of volvulus.

Symptoms

• Sudden and severe abdominal pain is a symptom of volvulus.
• Nausea and vomiting can occur in individuals with volvulus.
• Abdominal tenderness is a common symptom of volvulus.
• Decreased or absent bowel sounds may be present in individuals with volvulus.
• Volvulus can lead to bowel obstruction or perforation.

Diagnosis

• CT or MRI scans are used to visualize the intestine and detect twisting.
• An upper GI series, an X-ray examination of the small intestine, can help identify malrotation.
• Endoscopy, an examination of the inside of the intestine with a flexible tube and camera, can aid in diagnosis.

Treatment

• Surgical intervention involves untwisting of the intestine and possible resection of damaged tissue.
• Endoscopic detorsion, untwisting of the intestine using an endoscope, is possible for some cases of sigmoid volvulus.
• Supportive care, including management of symptoms, fluids, and electrolytes, is necessary until surgical intervention.