A volvulus is a loop of the bowel whose nose has twisted on itself.[1] It results in ischemia (loss of blood flow) and the accumulation of gas and fluid in the portion of the bowel obstructed.[2] Ultimately, this can result in the death of tissues (necrosis, gangrene) of the blood starved tissue and requires immediate surgical intervention (jejunectomy, ileostomy, colostomy, bowel resection).[3] The following codes are used with International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. ... The following is a list of codes for International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. ... In medicine, ischemia (Greek ισχαιμία, isch- is restriction, hema or haema is blood) is a restriction in blood supply, generally due to factors in the blood vessels, with resultant damage or dysfunction of tissue. ... Necrosis (in Greek ÎεκÏός = Dead) is the name given to unprogrammed death of cells and living tissue. ... It has been suggested that gas gangrene be merged into this article or section. ... An ileostomy is a stoma that has been constructed by bringing the end of the small intestine (the ileum) out onto the surface of the skin. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...
Volvulus is occurs most frequently in middle-aged and elderly men.[4]
Sigmoid volvulus is the most-common form of volvulus of the gastrointestinal tract and is responsible for 8% of all intestinal obstructions. Sigmoid volvulus is particularly common in elderly persons and constipated patient. Patients experience abdominal pain, distension, and absolute constipation.
References
Gylys, Barbara A. and Mary Ellen Wedding. Medical Terminology Systems. F.A. Davis Company, 2005.
Volvulus of the sigmoid colon occurs in the face of three conditions; 1) Elongation of the sigmoid colon; 2) Narrowing of the base of the sigmoid mesocolon and 3); A torque force to the sigmoid colon, which initiates the torsion process.
Cecal volvulus is less common than its sigmoid equivalent (1/7th - 1/10th as common) and its demographic features appear to have changed over the last half-century from a condition of both sexes in the second or third decade, to one affecting predominately females in the sixth decade.
Mortality rates for cecal volvulus are primarily determined by the degree of bowel ischemia and vary from 12% for viable bowel and increase almost three fold to 32% in the presence of gangrene.
A volvulus (VAHLV-yoo-lus) is a twisting of the stomach, or intestines.
Volvulus is believed to be due to a redundant sigmoid colon or a mobile ascending colon, and may be precipitated by an unusual amount of residue in the involved portion of the bowel.
In the case of a sigmoid volvulus there is a classical picture on barium enema X-ray that includes a "bird's-beak" appearance or sign, whereby the proximal rectum narrows down toward the point of the obstruction, thus creating a beaklike projection.
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