欧博Volvulus: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Tr
Volvulus is a condition that occurs when your bowel (which makes up your small intestine, colon, and rectum) twists around itself, causing a bowel blockage. This twist can block blood flow to the bowel, leading to severe damage if not treated quickly.
Several things can cause your bowel to become twisted, such as an enlarged colon, pregnancy, and underlying health conditions like multiple sclerosis. While volvulus is not common, knowing the warning signs is important so you know when to reach out for medical care and reduce the risk of complications.
Volvulus can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract (the long tube in your body that connects your mouth to your anus). The exact type of volvulus you have will depend on where the twisting occurs. Every kind of volvulus can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly, so recognizing the signs and seeking medical attention early is crucial.
Sigmoid volvulus happens when the sigmoid colon, the part of the large intestine closest to the rectum, twists around itself. It’s the most common type of volvulus in adults. When the sigmoid colon and mesentery (the tissues that attach your intestines to the abdominal wall) twist, blood flow to that part of the colon can be cut off. As a result, you may experience severe pain, bloating, and constipation. If not treated quickly, this can cause serious problems like tissue damage, perforation (holes in the bowel), or infection, which can be life-threatening.
Cecal volvulus occurs when the cecum and ascending colon, which are parts of the large intestine, become rotated or twisted. This type of volvulus accounts for a smaller percentage of large bowel obstructions but can lead to serious complications if untreated.
Midgut volvulus is more common in infants and children and occurs when the small intestine and parts of the large intestine twist. This type is commonly associated with congenital malrotation, which happens when the intestines don't develop properly before birth. In midgut volvulus, the intestines might be more prone to twisting or getting blocked because they're not in their usual position.
Gastric volvulus is a rare condition in which the stomach twists on itself. This can occur when the stomach rotates at least 180 degrees. When this happens, your stomach can lose its blood supply, increasing your risk of serious complications. Urgent medical treatment is necessary for this condition.
Volvulus can cause a range of symptoms depending on its location and severity. Common signs include:
Certain conditions and situations can make you more likely to experience volvulus. Sometimes, it's unclear why volvulus happens, but it can result from a mix of factors affecting the intestines. The most common risk factors for volvulus include:
If you're experiencing symptoms of volvulus, it's important to seek care from a healthcare provider as soon as possible to reduce the risk of complications. At your appointment, you can expect your healthcare provider to ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform a physical exam before ordering the following tests:
These tests can check for signs of infection, inflammation, and bowel obstruction. Your exact diagnostics will depend on your symptoms. Combining diagnostic methods helps your provider accurately identify volvulus and plan appropriate treatment.
TreatmentThe primary goal of treatment for a volvulus diagnosis is to fix the twisted part of your bowel so it starts to function properly. Your healthcare provider will always focus on strategies to prevent this condition from reoccurring in the future. Surgical and medical procedures are the most common treatments for this condition and may include:
Sigmoidoscopy: This procedure uses a flexible tube with a camera to look inside the rectum and the lower part of the colon. While this is often a diagnostic test, a sigmoidoscopy can also help relieve the twist in some cases.
Bowel resection: This surgery removes the twisted and damaged part of the bowel. Most providers prefer this method as it reduces the chances of volvulus coming back. However, older people with volvulus may benefit from a more minimally invasive surgery.
For cecal volvulus specifically, other treatments may include a cecopexy (which attaches the cecum to the abdominal wall) and right hemicolectomy (which removes the affected part of the colon).
Volvulus can't be prevented if your bowel rotation is due to a congenital disorder that you were born with. However, there are some things you can do to prevent other types of volvulus from developing. These strategies include:
ComplicationsIf not treated promptly, volvulus can lead to several serious complications. These include:
A Quick ReviewVolvulus is a serious but rare condition that occurs when part of the bowel twists around itself, causing blockages and potential complications. With this condition, you may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, bowel changes, and vomiting. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to avoid severe complications. This condition can be life-threatening, so if you or a loved one experience symptoms, it's important to seek treatment right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a volvulus fix on its own?
In rare cases, a volvulus can partially resolve on its own if the twist or obstruction is not severe and the intestine untwists spontaneously. However, it still requires medical attention and often surgery to heal completely.
Can you still poop if you have a twisted bowel?
You may have difficulty passing stool if you have a twisted bowel. It’s common to experience severe constipation or a complete inability to poop due to the obstruction.
Is volvulus the same as a bowel obstruction?
Volvulus is a type of bowel obstruction where the intestine twists around itself, causing a blockage. While all volvulus cases are bowel obstructions, not all bowel obstructions are volvulus. Bowel obstructions can also be caused by other issues like tumors, adhesions, or some medications.
Edited by
Sukhman is a former editor at Health.
" tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> Sukhman Rekhi
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sr-a21a100afbf343f481150ff49b3a733e.jpeg)
Sukhman Rekhi
Sukhman is a former editor at Health.
learn more
Read more:
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!
Other13 Sources
Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Lieske B, Antunes C. . In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.
Bauman ZM, Evans CH. Volvulus. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2018;98(5):973-993. doi:10.1016/j.suc.2018.06.005
Hodin RA. . In: Weiser M, Chen W, eds. UpToDate. UpToDate; 2024.
Coste AH, Anand S, Nada H, et al. Midgut Volvulus. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.
Lopez PP, Megha R. . In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.
MedlinePlus. Volvulus - childhood.
Le CK, Nahirniak P, Anand S, et al. . In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Health. Colonic volvulus.
Amini A, Nagalli S. Bowel Ischemia. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024.
MedlinePlus. .
MedlinePlus. Sepsis.
Kunishi Y, Tsukamoto M, Yanagibashi T, et al. Cecal volvulus resolved spontaneously. Intern Med. 2021;60(6):851-854. doi:10.2169/internalmedicine.5532-20
MedlinePlus. Intestinal obstruction.