volvulus

volvulus /vol·vu·lus/ (vol´vu-lus) [L.] torsion of a loop of intestine, causing obstruction.

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vol·vu·lus (vlvy-ls)

n.

Abnormal twisting of the intestine causing obstruction.

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Volvulus

A twisting of the intestine that causes an obstruction.

Mentioned in: Intestinal Obstructions, Meckel's Diverticulum

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volvulus

[vol′vyələs]

Etymology: L, volvere, to turn

a twisting of the bowel on itself, causing intestinal obstruction. The condition is frequently the result of a prolapsed segment of mesentery and occurs most often in the ileum, the cecum, or the sigmoid parts of the bowel. If it is not corrected, the obstructed bowel becomes necrotic, peritonitis and rupture of the bowel occur, and death may ensue. Severe gripping pain, nausea and vomiting, an absence of bowel sounds, and a tense distended abdomen suggest the diagnosis, which is confirmed by x-ray examination. Compare intussusception.

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volvulus (volˑ·vy·ls),

n a condition in which a portion of the bowel slides down into its ramen. The condition is commonly due to a protrusion of a portion of the mesentery—particularly in the cecum, ileum, or the sigmoid segments of the bowel. The condition is characterized by lack of bowel sounds, nausea, vomiting, painful sensations, and a taut and swollen abdomen. If untreated, the obstructed bowel becomes necrotic and is followed by inflammation of the peritoneum and then rupture of the bowel, resulting in death.

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volvulus

[L.] torsion of a loop of intestine, causing obstruction with or without compromising the blood supply to the part by strangulation.

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gastric volvulus

see gastric dilatation-volvulus.

intestinal volvulus

a common finding in horses because of the weight of the contents, the power and the duration of the peristaltic movements, and the long mesentery of some parts of the intestines.

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volvulus

Pediatric surgery A condition characterized by torsion of the large intestine, resulting in obstruction and variable loss of blood supply; malrotation of the intestine during fetal development may predispose infants to volvulus, often early in life Clinical Abrupt onset of bowel obstruction Sx–eg, N&V, bloody stools, abdominal pain, constipation, shock Management Surgical fixation. See Childhood volvulus, Malrotation.