Volvulus of the Small Bowel and Colon

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The Role of Anatomical Dissection in Defining Colic and Small Bowel Artery Lymphovascular Bundles in the D3 Volume of Small and Large Bowel Mesentery
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The Role of Anatomical Dissection in Defining Colic and Small Bowel Artery Lymphovascular Bundles in the D3 Volume of Small and Large Bowel Mesentery

Published on: August 1, 2025

760

Muneera R Kapadia1

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa.

Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery
|February 2, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Intestinal volvulus, a twisting of the bowel, requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent tissue death. Adults commonly experience colonic volvulus, necessitating surgical intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Intestinal volvulus involves twisting of the small bowel or colon.
  • Small bowel volvulus is more prevalent in pediatric patients, whereas colonic volvulus is more common in adults.
  • Sigmoid and cecal volvulus are the predominant forms of colonic volvulus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the key aspects of intestinal volvulus.
  • To highlight the differences in prevalence between pediatric and adult populations.
  • To emphasize the urgency of diagnosis and treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of intestinal volvulus cases.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data differentiating pediatric and adult populations.
  • Review of diagnostic and treatment modalities for colonic volvulus.

Main Results:

  • Colonic volvulus, particularly sigmoid and cecal types, is more frequent in adults.
  • Delayed diagnosis can lead to severe complications such as bowel ischemia.
  • Surgical exploration and resection are common treatment strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Prompt identification and management of intestinal volvulus are critical.
  • Understanding age-related prevalence is essential for clinical suspicion.
  • Surgical intervention is often required to address complications of colonic volvulus.

Keywords:
cecal volvuluscolectomysigmoid volvulusvolvulus

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