Learn About Childhood Volvulus

What is the definition of 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.

What are the alternative names for Childhood Volvulus?

Childhood volvulus; Abdominal pain - volvulus; Sigmoid volvulus; Cecal volvulus; Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO)

What are the causes of Childhood Volvulus?

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.

What are the symptoms of Childhood Volvulus?

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.

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What are the current treatments for Childhood Volvulus?

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.

Who are the top Childhood Volvulus Local Doctors?
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology

University Of Connecticut Health Center

263 Farmington Ave, 
Farmington, CT 
 0.2 mi
Offers Telehealth

Murali Dharan is a Gastroenterologist in Farmington, Connecticut. Dr. Dharan and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Childhood Volvulus. His top areas of expertise are Gallstones, Choledocholithiasis, Bile Duct Obstruction, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology

Connecticut Gi PC

85 Seymour St, Suite 1000, 
Hartford, CT 
 6.0 mi
Offers Telehealth

Amir Masoud is a Gastroenterologist in Hartford, Connecticut. Dr. Masoud and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Childhood Volvulus. His top areas of expertise are Swallowing Difficulty, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Painful Swallowing, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

 
 
 
 
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Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology

University Of Connecticut Health Center

263 Farmington Ave, 
Farmington, CT 
 0.2 mi

John Birk is a Gastroenterologist in Farmington, Connecticut. Dr. Birk and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Childhood Volvulus. His top areas of expertise are Gallstones, Childhood Pancreatitis, Hereditary Pancreatitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Childhood Volvulus?

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.

What are the possible complications of Childhood Volvulus?

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)
When should I contact a medical professional for Childhood Volvulus?

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.

What are the latest Childhood Volvulus Clinical Trials?
Development of a New Rapid Diagnostic Test to Support Onchocerciasis Elimination

Summary: Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, is one of the disease targeted for elimination by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the group of Neglected Tropical Diseases. Existing diagnostic tools for onchocerciasis have limitations that make mapping, epidemiological assessments and verification of elimination of onchocerciasis difficult. It is in this context that WHO, in its 2021-2030 roa...

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Host Response to Infection and Treatment in the Filarial Diseases of Humans

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 ...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

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.

What are the references for this article ?

Maqbool A, Liacouras CA. Major symptoms and signs of digestive tract disorders. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 352.

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.