Volvulus (Intestinal Twisting)
Causes, Symptoms & Emergency Surgical Treatment
Advanced Emergency Surgical Care in Thane – By Dr. Ankur Bhanushali
What Is Volvulus?
Volvulus is a serious medical emergency where a segment of the intestine twists around itself and the mesentery, leading to intestinal obstruction and compromised blood supply. If not treated urgently, it can result in bowel gangrene and life-threatening complications.
Immediate surgical intervention saves lives.
Types of Volvulus
Volvulus can affect different parts of the intestine:
✔ Sigmoid volvulus (most common in adults)
✔ Cecal volvulus
✔ Midgut volvulus
✔ Gastric volvulus
Each type requires prompt diagnosis.
How Volvulus Develops
Volvulus occurs due to:
✔ Excessive bowel mobility
✔ Long or redundant colon
✔ Congenital malrotation
✔ Chronic constipation
✔ Previous abdominal surgery
These factors allow the bowel to twist.
Risk Factors for Volvulus
High-risk groups include:
✔ Elderly patients
✔ Bedridden individuals
✔ Patients with chronic constipation
✔ Neurological disorders
✔ Institutionalized patients
Early recognition is crucial.
Common Symptoms of Volvulus
Symptoms often appear suddenly:
✔ Severe abdominal pain
✔ Abdominal distension
✔ Constipation or inability to pass gas
✔ Vomiting
✔ Rapid heart rate
This is a surgical emergency.
Why Volvulus Is Life-Threatening
If untreated, volvulus can cause:
✔ Intestinal ischemia
✔ Bowel gangrene
✔ Perforation
✔ Sepsis
✔ Shock
Urgent treatment prevents fatal outcomes.
Diagnostic Evaluation
Diagnosis includes:
✔ Clinical examination
✔ Abdominal X-ray
✔ CT scan abdomen
✔ Blood investigations
CT scan confirms bowel twisting.
Initial Emergency Management
Immediate steps include:
✔ IV fluids
✔ Nasogastric decompression
✔ Pain control
✔ Broad-spectrum antibiotics
Stabilization before surgery is vital.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
In selected cases:
✔ Endoscopic detorsion (sigmoid volvulus)
✔ Rectal tube decompression
These are temporary measures.
Surgical Treatment for Volvulus
Surgery is required when:
✔ Blood supply is compromised
✔ Endoscopic reduction fails
✔ Recurrent volvulus occurs
Procedures may include bowel resection.
Laparoscopic vs Open Surgery
Modern surgical options:
✔ Laparoscopic detorsion
✔ Resection with anastomosis
✔ Stoma creation if needed
Approach depends on patient condition.
Post-Surgical Recovery
Recovery involves:
✔ ICU monitoring
✔ Gradual diet progression
✔ Pain control
✔ Early mobilization
Most patients recover well with timely care.
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
✔ Infection
✔ Anastomotic leak
✔ Recurrence
✔ Short bowel syndrome
Early follow-up reduces risks.
Emergency Surgical Care at Aayush Multispeciality Hospital
Hospital facilities include:
✔ 24×7 emergency services
✔ Advanced imaging
✔ ICU & ventilator support
✔ Experienced surgical team
Rapid response saves lives.
Why Choose Dr. Ankur Bhanushali?
✔ Expertise in emergency abdominal surgery
✔ Minimally invasive surgical skills
✔ Ethical decision-making
✔ Personalized patient care
Trusted surgeon for complex intestinal emergencies.
Aayush Multispeciality Hospital – Full Address
📍 1st Floor, Marigold Apartment
Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi,
Thane West – 400602,
Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33033
🌐 https://drankurbhanushali.com
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Msc7YZqVkV9mQMQ7
Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic – Full Address
📍 Shop No. 4, Laxmi Krupa Building
Edulji Road, Charai,
Thane West – 400602,
Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmmGNbgFyhGcqfvV6
