volvulus neonatorum

volvulus neonatorum,

an intestinal obstruction in a newborn resulting from a twisting of the bowel caused by malrotation or nonfixation of the colon. Typical symptoms include abdominal distension; persistent regurgitation, often accompanied by fecal vomiting; and nonpassage of stools. Characteristic barium enema x-ray studies confirm the diagnosis. The condition requires immediate surgical correction to prevent necrosis and gangrene of the affected segment of bowel.