D2I2.
acute

Volvulus

A volvulus is a bowel obstruction resulting from a loop of twisting around itself and its supporting mesentery. Symptoms include pain, abdominal , vomiting, , and bloody stool. Onset of symptoms may be rapid or more gradual. The mesentery may become so tightly twisted that blood flow to part of the intestine is cut off, resulting in ischemic bowel. In this situation there may be fever or significant pain when the is touched.

Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.

Symptoms — what it feels like

  • · pain, abdominal , vomiting, , bloody stool

How it's found

  • ·Medical (plain X-rays, GI series, CT scan)

Treatment

  • ·Sigmoidoscopy, barium enema, bowel resection

Complications

  • ·Ischemic bowel
Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.