What is colonic volvulus?
Disease description:
I went to the hospital for a physical examination a while ago, and the doctor told me that I had colonic volvulus and recommended prompt treatment. I don't really understand this condition. I would like to ask the doctor what colonic torsion means?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Colonic volvulus, also known as intestinal torsion or colon twisting, is a serious abdominal emergency. It commonly occurs in areas such as the cecum, sigmoid colon, and transverse colon and is frequently seen in elderly individuals, especially those with underlying conditions such as colonic elongation, tumors, or diverticular disease.
Symptoms of colonic volvulus include sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal distension, and possibly fever and rectal bleeding. It may be caused by various factors, including colonic motility disorders—where uncoordinated movement between segments of the colon leads to twisting; colonic elongation, in which the colon exceeds normal length, occupies excessive space, and subsequently twists; and congenital megacolon, which results from the absence or reduction of ganglion cells, causing intestinal dysfunction that may lead to colonic volvulus. The condition progresses rapidly, and if not promptly treated, it can result in intestinal wall ischemia and necrosis, or even perforation leading to peritonitis and potentially life-threatening consequences.
In daily life, improper diet and dynamic factors such as excessive straining during bowel movements may also contribute to colonic volvulus. Once symptoms of colonic twisting appear, immediate medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital are necessary to prevent serious complications such as intestinal necrosis.
