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Volvulus - Childhood
Alternate Names : Childhood Volvulus
Definition A volvulus, which in this case occurs during childhood, is a twisting of the bowel with obstruction of the flow of material through the bowel, variable loss of blood supply and possible tissue death.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
A volvulus is a condition in which the bowel becomes twisted. This twisting causes obstruction of the intestine, and also often cuts off the blood supply to the intestine. This can cause death of some or all of the intestine, which is often fatal.
Malrotation of the bowel during fetal development may predispose infants to a volvulus, although a volvulus can occur in the absence of malrotation. Volvulus associated with malrotation often occurs early in life, frequently in the first year.
Infants develop sudden onset signs of bowel obstruction that may include nausea and vomiting, bloody stools, abdominal pain, constipation, and shock. Symptoms are generally dramatic enough that infants are taken early to the emergency room, which can be critical for survival.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Childhood Volvulus Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Childhood Volvulus Symptoms & Signs
• Childhood Volvulus Diagnosis & Tests
• Childhood Volvulus Treatment
• Childhood Volvulus Prognosis
• Childhood Volvulus Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Intestinal Obstruction
• Peritonitis - Secondary
• Short Bowel Syndrome
Tests & Exams
• Stool Guaiac Test
• X-Ray
Other Topics
• Abdominal Bloating
• Abdominal Pain
• Bloody or Tarry Stools
• Constipation
• Electrolytes
• Fetal Development
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Shock
Review Date : 2/10/2003
Reviewed By : James P. Dolan, M.D., Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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