What are the risk factors for sigmoid volvulus?
Predisposing factors to sigmoid volvulus include chronic constipation, megacolon, and an excessively mobile colon. Plain abdominal radiographic findings are usually diagnostic.
What causes sigmoid colon volvulus?
Sigmoid volvulus may occur because of sigmoid elongation, resulting in a redundant loop. Most commonly, this is the result of chronic constipation and the progressive dilatation and lengthening of the sigmoid colon and its mesentery.
What is a volvulus sigmoid colon?
Pathophysiology — Sigmoid volvulus occurs when an air-filled loop of the sigmoid colon twists about its mesentery. Obstruction of the intestinal lumen and impairment of vascular perfusion occur when the degree of torsion exceeds 180 and 360 degrees, respectively [24].
Why is sigmoid volvulus more common in males?
Irregular bowel behaviour in males, combined with the population’s consumption of high fibre diets producing flatus and bulky stools, appears to overload the sigmoid colon, which elongates and dilates gradually, and subsequently undergoes volvulus occasionally.
Can a colonoscopy cause a twisted colon?
A similar procedure, colonoscopy, can fix twists in the beginning of the colon. But the chance of it twisting again is high.
Is sigmoid volvulus common?
Sigmoid volvulus is the most common type of colonic volvulus and occurs when a portion of the intestine twists around its blood supply. In sigmoid volvulus, this occurs at the base of the mesentery. It most commonly presents in patients who are bedbound and have a history of chronic constipation.
Is a sigmoid volvulus a bowel obstruction?
Sigmoid volvulus (SV), first described by von Rokitansky in 1836 [1, 2], is a condition in which the sigmoid colon wraps around itself and its own mesentery, causing a closed-loop obstruction (Figure 1). It remains a rare but important intestinal obstruction [1, 3].
Is sigmoid volvulus an emergency?
Sigmoid volvulus is considered a medical emergency and should prompt immediate treatment. If the colon is twisted and the blood supply is intact, then a colonoscopy may be performed to untwist the colon. This usually resolves the blockage quickly.
How long can you live with a twisted colon?
Without any fluids (either as sips, ice chips or intravenously) people with a complete bowel obstruction most often survive a week or two. Sometimes it’s only a few days, sometimes as long as three weeks. With fluids, survival time may be extended by a few weeks or even a month or two.
What are the risk factors for Sigmoid volvulus?
Risk factors that increase the chances of developing sigmoid volvulus include: Age – people over the age of 50 are more prone to develop sigmoid volvulus. Chronic constipation – defined as having less than three bowel movements per week.
What happens if sigmoid volvulus is left untreated?
If left untreated, serious complications could occur, such as venous infarction—due to decreased blood supply and perforation. This leads to fecal peritonitis, a condition where fecal matter enters the abdominal cavity causing an infection. What are the causes and risk factors of sigmoid volvulus?
What is a twisted sigmoid volvulus?
Home » Colon And Digestive » Colon Health » Sigmoid volvulus: Causes and treatment of twisted sigmoid colon. Sigmoid volvulus is a gastrointestinal condition that frequently leads to large bowel obstruction. It is characterized by a twisted sigmoid colon—the part of the large intestine that is closest to the rectum and anus.
What is the pathophysiology of volvulus?
The mesentery becomes so tightly twisted that blood supply is cut off, resulting in bowel ischemia. Pain may be significant and fever may develop. Risk factors for volvulus include intestinal malrotation, Hirschsprung disease, an enlarged colon, pregnancy, and abdominal adhesions.