Definition for volvulus

A volvulus is a loop of the bowel whose nose has twisted on itself. 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. more

A volvulus is a loop of the bowel whose nose has twisted on itself. 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. It results in ischemia (loss of blood flow) and the accumulation of gas and fluid in the portion of the bowel obstructed. Ultimately, this can result in the death of tissues (necrosis, gangrene) of the blood starved tissue and requires immediate surgical intervention (jejunectomy, ileostomy, colostomy, bowel resection). less