Dorothy FarrarVolvulus (intestinal entanglement)
A volvulus (intestinal twisting) is a twisting of a section of the intestine around its own axis. The entanglement can lead to constipation on the one hand and an intestinal obstruction on the other. In severe cases, the death of a part of the intestine (intestinal gangrene) can also be the result.
What is a volvulus (intestinal tangle)?
In a volvulus (intestinal twisting), different sections of the intestine become knotted or intertwined. Depending on the case, the disease can be fatal. Some people are born with entanglements, which is related to the development of the child in the womb. The intestine did not perform the necessary rotations before birth or performed them incorrectly and rotated around the mesentery stalk. Since this carries the supplying or draining blood vessels , a partial or complete blockage of the intestinal tube can occur.
Intestinal entanglement can manifest itself in two forms. Intussusception is the invagination of one part of the intestine into another, which can lead to blood stasis and swelling. In the case of axis rotation, on the other hand, a loop of intestine rotates. This twisted loop can wrap itself around another, cutting off the blood supply. Both forms can end in intestinal obstruction, which can be life-threatening. This leads to an undersupply of vital organs.
causes
As already mentioned, one of the reasons for an intestinal tangle is an incorrect rotation of the small and large intestine before birth. Affected children often suffer from volvulus. This is classified as an emergency and must be treated immediately. Other causes include intestinal inflammation . These can be both bacterial and chemical. In addition, radiation or allergic reactions and immune reactions can also trigger intestinal inflammation. Another causal option are tumors in the area of the intestine .
In addition, some people develop strands of connective tissue between sections of the intestine. These adhesions are due to foreign bodies, operations or former inflammations, whereby operations themselves can also lead to entanglements of the intestine. Intestinal entanglements are particularly common in infants and young children. Complications in the sense of gangrene (intestinal loss) occur primarily in newborns who are less than a month old. The most commonly affected sites are the cecum and the sigmoid. The area of the small intestine is affected in most cases due to prenatal malrotation.
symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of volvulus (intestinal entanglement):
Those affected by volvulus usually complain of various symptoms, which in some cases can also be attributed to other gastrointestinal diseases . These include abdominal pain and vomiting. Bloating and the associated pressure pain can also occur. Depending on the type and severity of the entanglement, blockages are not uncommon. On the other hand, many of those affected suffer from diarrhea-like blood stool. This is particularly the case with an acute entanglement of the intestine.
The upper abdomen is particularly sensitive to pressure, while the lower abdomen may have collapsed. More typical symptoms that may indicate engulfment are nonspecific laboratory parameters and peritonitis . A circulatory shock can also occur. Chronic, recurrent intestinal obstruction results in malabsorption and recurring constipation. If the engorgement is not treated, a life-threatening bowel obstruction can occur. Since the intestine is responsible for the distribution of nutrients in the body, the result is often an undersupply of the body with vital substances.
Diagnose
A volvulus is not always easy to diagnose, as the symptoms can also apply to various other diseases. As a rule, the diagnosis is only made after a thorough physical examination, which consists primarily of imaging processes . Sometimes x -rays and ultrasounds can reveal the entanglement. When the rear section of the large intestine is devoured, the contour of a coffee bean can be seen on X-rays. The intestinal part is overinflated and takes on the appropriate shape. In other cases, the diagnosis is only made during an operation.
treatment and therapy
Chronic bowel entanglement can only be treated with surgery. The treating surgeon will try to fix the affected section of the intestine. The prognosis depends on the doctor and the type of entanglement. In the case of an acute volvulus, the intestinal section must be brought back to the right place as quickly as possible. This is also an operation that must be carried out as quickly as possible in order to prevent lifelong consequences.
An undersupply can lead to the destruction of the intestinal section. Depending on the case, the affected section of intestine is also fixed here. If the tissue is severely damaged, the piece must be removed. A doctor may temporarily create an enterostomy. If you act quickly, the prognosis is good. Otherwise, a loss of several parts of the intestine is possible. Short bowel syndrome can occur.
prevention
The only way to prevent volvulus is to maintain balanced gut health. This includes a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables to provide the body with sufficient fiber . In doing so, attention should always be paid to the intestinal flora and, in case of doubt, an intestinal cleansing with subsequent reconstruction should be carried out after inflammation. Adequate fluid intake is also important. Drinks should contain as little sugar as possible .
Exercise can stimulate intestinal activity. Regular exercise is important to keep the body healthy. In addition, foods that are difficult to digest should be avoided, as the intestines have difficulties processing them accordingly. It also takes longer to pass through the intestines, which increases the risk of engorgement. It makes sense to keep the acid-base balance balanced to prevent acidification
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.