Volvulus overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
A '''volvulus''' is a loop of the [[bowel]] whose nose has twisted on itself.<ref>Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005</ref> The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary defines volvulus slightly differently as "abnormal twisting of the intestine causing obstruction," which adds obstruction in the definition, and would be more clinically significant term.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.kmle.com/search.php?Search=volvulus | title = ''KMLE Medical Dictionary Definition of volvulus'' | author = [http://www.kmle.com The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary]}}</ref> | A '''volvulus''' is a loop of the [[bowel]] whose nose has twisted on itself.<ref>Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005</ref> The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary defines volvulus slightly differently as "abnormal twisting of the intestine causing obstruction," which adds obstruction in the definition, and would be more clinically significant term.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.kmle.com/search.php?Search=volvulus | title = ''KMLE Medical Dictionary Definition of volvulus'' | author = [http://www.kmle.com The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary]}}</ref> | ||
==Pathophysiology== | |||
Regardless of cause, volvulus causes symptoms by two mechanisms. One is [[bowel obstruction]], manifested as [[abdominal distension]] and [[vomiting]]. The other is [[ischemia]] (loss of blood flow) to the affected portion of [[intestine]]. This causes severe [[pain]] and progressive injury to the [[intestinal wall]], with accumulation of gas and fluid in the portion of the bowel obstructed.<ref>Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005</ref> Ultimately, this can result in [[necrosis]] of the affected [[intestinal wall]], [[acidosis]], and [[death]]. Acute volvulus therefore requires immediate surgical intervention to untwist the affected segment of bowel and possibly [[bowel resection|resect]] any unsalvageable portion.<ref>Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005</ref> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist|2}} | {{reflist|2}} | ||
Revision as of 19:40, 29 January 2013
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
A volvulus is a loop of the bowel whose nose has twisted on itself.[1] The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary defines volvulus slightly differently as "abnormal twisting of the intestine causing obstruction," which adds obstruction in the definition, and would be more clinically significant term.[2]
Pathophysiology
Regardless of cause, volvulus causes symptoms by two mechanisms. One is bowel obstruction, manifested as abdominal distension and vomiting. The other is ischemia (loss of blood flow) to the affected portion of intestine. This causes severe pain and progressive injury to the intestinal wall, with accumulation of gas and fluid in the portion of the bowel obstructed.[3] Ultimately, this can result in necrosis of the affected intestinal wall, acidosis, and death. Acute volvulus therefore requires immediate surgical intervention to untwist the affected segment of bowel and possibly resect any unsalvageable portion.[4]
References
- ↑ Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005
- ↑ The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary. "KMLE Medical Dictionary Definition of volvulus".
- ↑ Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005
- ↑ Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach, 2005