A volvulus is the twisting of a loop of bowel around its mesenteric axis. This process results in a combination of obstruction together with occlusion of the main vessels at the base of the involved mesentery.
This condition most commonly affects the sigmoid, caecum and the small intestine. Rare forms of volvulus affect the gallbladder and the stomach.
If the condition is not corrected, the obstructed bowel becomes necrotic, peritonitis and rupture of the bowel occur, and death may ensue.
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