A volvulus is a loop of the bowel whose nose has twisted on itself. Volvulus can lead to gangrene and death of that segment of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal obstruction, perforation of the intestine, and peritonitis. This can occur at various locations of the GI tract, including stomach, small intestine, caecum, transverse colon, and sigmoid colon. The stomach, small intestine, cecum, and sigmoid colon are all subject to volvulus. Malrotation of the bowel during fetal development can predispose to a volvulus. Volvulus often has a sudden onset. The symptoms and signs may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the stool. Other symptoms may include failure to thrive, anorexia, constipation, bloody stools, and intermittent apnoea.
Volvulus occurs most frequently in middle-aged and elderly men. Volvulus can also arise as a rare complication in persons with redundant colon. A normal anatomic variation resulting in extra colonic loops.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. The treatment is surgery to free the obstruction and ensure normal blood flow to the bowel. A laparoscopic variation of the Ladd procedure has been used in some centers, with the general advantage of decreased adhesions and scarring, but good visualisation of the entire bowel is necessary. Used to form a colostomy or ileostomy.
Volvulus Treatment Tips
1. A laparoscopic variation of the Ladd procedure has been used in some centers
