Volvulus (patient information)
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Volvulus |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Jinhui Wu, M.D.; Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty
Overview
A volvulus is a twisting of the intestine that can occur in childhood. It causes a blockage, and may cut off blood flow and damage part of the intestine.
What are the symptoms of Volvulus?
- Bloody or dark red stools
- Constipation or difficulty releasing stools
- Distended abdomen
- Pain or tenderness in the abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shock
- Vomiting green material
Symptoms are usually severe enough that infants are taken early to the emergency room, which can be critical for survival.
What are the causes of Volvulus?
A birth defect called intestinal malrotation can make infants more likely to develop a volvulus. However, a volvulus can occur without malrotation.
Volvulus due to malrotation often occurs early in life, usually in the first year.
Who is at risk for Volvulus?
- Young children
- Children with a birth defect called intestinal malrotation
How to know you have Volvulus (Diagnosis)?
The following tests are done to diagnose volvulus
- Barium enema
- Blood tests to check electrolytes
- CT scan
- Stool guaiac (shows blood in the stool)
- Upper GI
When to seek urgent medical care
This is an emergency condition. The symptoms of childhood volvulus develop quickly and the child becomes severely ill. Get medical attention immediately.
Treatment options
Emergency surgery is needed to repair the volvulus. A surgical cut is made in the abdomen. The bowels are untwisted and the blood supply restored.
If a small segment of bowel is dead from a lack of blood flow (necrotic), it is removed. The ends of the bowel are sewn back together. Or, they are used to form a connection of the intestines to the outside, through which bowel contents can be removed (colostomy or ileostomy).
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Volvulus
Directions to Hospitals Treating Volvulus
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
Diagnosing and treating volvulus quickly generally leads to a good outcome.
If the bowel is dead (necrotic), the outlook is poor. The situation may be life-threatening, depending on how much of the bowel is dead.
Possible Complications
- Secondary peritonitis
- Short bowel syndrome (after removal of a large part of the small bowel)