What does sigmoid volvulus mean

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A rare, but quite serious complication associated with a tortuous colon is when the loops in the colon twist so much that they create a condition known as bowel obstruction or colonic volvulus. Floppy pouch complex is defined as the presence of pouch prolapse, afferent limb syndrome, enterocele, redundant loop and folding pouch on pouchoscopy, gastrografin pouchogram or defecography.

Common clinical presentation includes dyschezia, bloating, abdominal pain, straining or the sense of incomplete evacuation. The normal length of time between bowel movements ranges widely from person to person.

Some people have bowel movements several times a day, others only once or twice a week. Going longer than three days without having a bowel movement is too long. After three days, the stool becomes harder and more difficult to pass. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search.

The mesentery may become so tightly twisted that blood flow to the affected part of the intestine is cut off. This situation can lead to death of the blood-starved tissue and tearing of the intestinal wall—a life-threatening event and a medical emergency. Sigmoid volvulus—twisting of the sigmoid colon—accounts for the majority of cases, with cecal volvulus—twisting of the cecum and ascending colon—occurring less frequently.

Other symptoms may develop more slowly but worsen with time, such as constipation, inability to pass gas, and abdominal swelling. People with these symptoms should also contact a health care provider. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of sigmoid volvulus generally lead to a successful outcome. Doctors use x rays, upper or lower GI series, CT scans, and flexible sigmoidoscopy—another common diagnostic test—to help diagnose sigmoid volvulus. If volvulus is found, the doctor may use the sigmoidoscope to untwist the colon.

However, if the colon is twisted tightly or if the blood flow has been cut off, immediate surgery will be needed. Surgery involves restoring the blood supply, if possible, to the affected part of the sigmoid colon.

Sometimes the affected part of the colon must be removed and the healthy ends reattached, a procedure called an intestinal resection. Resection prevents volvulus from recurring; untwisting the volvulus with the sigmoidoscope may not prevent recurrence. Cecal volvulus is twisting of the cecum and ascending colon. Normally, the cecum and ascending colon are fixed to the abdominal wall.