Childhood Volvulus Overview
Learn About Childhood Volvulus
A volvulus is a twisting of the intestine that can occur in childhood. It causes a blockage that may cut off blood flow. Part of the intestine may be damaged as a result.
Childhood volvulus; Abdominal pain - volvulus; Sigmoid volvulus; Cecal volvulus; Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO)
A birth defect called intestinal malrotation can make an infant more likely to develop a volvulus. However, a volvulus can occur without this condition present.
Volvulus due to malrotation occurs most often in the first year of life.
Common symptoms of volvulus are:
- Bloody or dark red stools
- Constipation or difficulty releasing stools
- Distended abdomen
- Pain or tenderness in the abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shock
- Vomiting green material
Symptoms are very often severe and require emergency care. Early treatment can be critical for survival.
In some cases, colonoscopy can be used to correct the problem. This involves use of a flexible tube with a light on the end that is passed into the colon (large bowel) through the rectum.
Emergency surgery is often needed to repair the volvulus. A surgical cut is made in the abdomen. The bowels are untwisted and the blood supply is restored.
If a small segment of bowel is dead from a lack of blood flow (necrotic), it is removed. The ends of the bowel are then sewn together. Or, they are used to form a connection of the intestines to the outside of the body (colostomy or ileostomy). Bowel contents can be removed through this opening.
Robert Colebunders practices in Antwerpen, Belgium. Mr. Colebunders is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Childhood Volvulus. His top areas of expertise are Onchocerciasis, Childhood Volvulus, Spirurida Infections, and Secernentea Infections.
Ole Lagatie practices in Beerse, Belgium. Mr. Lagatie is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Childhood Volvulus. His top areas of expertise are Childhood Volvulus, Onchocerciasis, Secernentea Infections, and Spirurida Infections.
Achim Hoerauf practices in Bonn, Germany. Mr. Hoerauf is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Childhood Volvulus. His top areas of expertise are Hydrocele, Spirurida Infections, Secernentea Infections, and Helminthiasis.
Most of the time, prompt diagnosis and treatment of volvulus leads to a good outcome.
If part of the bowel is dead, the outlook is poor. The situation may be fatal, depending on how much of the bowel is dead.
Possible complications of volvulus are:
- Secondary peritonitis (an infection in the abdomen)
- Short bowel syndrome (problems that happen after removal of a large part of the small bowel)
This is an emergency condition. The symptoms of childhood volvulus develop quickly and the child will become very ill. Get medical attention right away if this happens.
Summary: This study will evaluate and treat patients with filarial infections to explore in depth the immunology of the disease, including susceptibility to infection, disease development, and response to treatment. Filarial infections are caused by parasitic worms. The immature worm (larva) is transmitted to a person through a mosquito bite and grows in the human body to 2 to 4 inches in length. Although ...
Summary: Paraesophageal hernia can cause significant clinical symptoms, including reflux, chest pain, nausea, regurgitation, and even life threatening conditions such as bowel obstruction, and gastric volvulus. Repair of a paraesophageal hernia is associated with significant recurrence rate, with primary repair often in excess of 50%. Hernia recurrence and revisional surgery significantly increase the like...
Published Date: August 12, 2024
Published By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Gastroenterologist, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Mokha J. Vomiting and nausea. In: Wyllie R, Hyams JS, Kay M, eds. Pediatric Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 8.
Srinath A, Rudolph JA. Nutrition and gastroenterology. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 11.
Thomas N, Wu AW. Large intestine. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 81.