Volvulus overview: Difference between revisions
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==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
Regardless of cause, volvulus causes symptoms by two mechanisms. One is [[bowel obstruction]], manifested as [[abdominal distension]] and [[vomiting]]. The other is [[ischemia]] (loss of blood flow) to the affected portion of [[intestine]]. This causes severe [[pain]] and progressive injury to the [[intestinal wall]], with accumulation of gas and fluid in the portion of the bowel obstructed.<ref>Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005</ref> 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 [[bowel resection|resect]] any unsalvageable portion.<ref>Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005</ref> | Regardless of cause, volvulus causes symptoms by two mechanisms. One is [[bowel obstruction]], manifested as [[abdominal distension]] and [[vomiting]]. The other is [[ischemia]] (loss of blood flow) to the affected portion of [[intestine]]. This causes severe [[pain]] and progressive injury to the [[intestinal wall]], with accumulation of gas and fluid in the portion of the bowel obstructed.<ref>Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005</ref> 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 [[bowel resection|resect]] any unsalvageable portion.<ref>Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005</ref> | ||
==Causes== | |||
Midgut volvulus occurs in patients (usually in [[infant]]s) 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|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]]. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist|2}} | {{reflist|2}} | ||
Revision as of 19:43, 29 January 2013
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Volvulus Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Volvulus overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Volvulus overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
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]
Pathophysiology
Regardless of cause, volvulus causes symptoms by two mechanisms. One is bowel obstruction, manifested as abdominal distension and vomiting. The other is ischemia (loss of blood flow) to the affected portion of intestine. This causes severe pain and progressive injury to the intestinal wall, with accumulation of gas and fluid in the portion of the bowel obstructed.[3] 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.[4]
Causes
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.
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