Volvulus is a blockage of the intestine resulting from abnormal twisting. Sigmoid volvulus occurs when the sigmoid colon twists and is the most common form of volvulus. Cecal volvulus refers to the twisting of the cecum and ascending colon. This is a less common form of volvulus. Volvulus is induced by the intestine wrapping around itself and the mesentery. The mesentery consists of soft tissues that constitute the double-folded peritoneum and connect the intestines to the dorsal abdominal wall. It is possible that the mesentery is twisted enough to stop blood flow to the affected area of ​​the intestine. This condition constitutes a medical emergency and is life-threatening due to damage to the area cut off from blood supply and the possibility of tearing the lining of the intestine ("Colorectal Surgery - Volvulus (twisting of the colon)" , nd). .Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay. Malrotation of the intestines can cause volvulus. Intestinal malrotation is also known as intestinal non-rotation or incomplete rotation and relates to any variation in the rotation and fixation of the gastrointestinal tract during development (Bensard, 2017). Other medical conditions can cause volvulus, such as abdominal adhesions, enlarged colon, or Hirschsprung's disease; a disease of the large intestine that causes obstructions or constipation. Multiple symptoms indicate volvulus, including abdominal cramps, signs of shock, bloody stools, vomiting, and an inability to pass gas. Medical professionals use a variety of approaches to diagnose volvulus. These tests include x-rays, upper or lower gastrointestinal series, CT scans, and flexible sigmoidoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy is a routine test that is performed to view the inside of the rectum and lower colon and is performed using a camera attached to a flexible tube inserted into the anus. Treatment for volvulus depends on the severity of the condition. It is possible for a doctor to straighten the colon using the sigmoidoscope if it is not too twisted. If the colon is too tight or is thought to be losing blood, surgery is needed immediately. “Surgery involves restoring blood supply, if possible, to the affected part of the sigmoid colon. Sometimes the affected part of the colon must be removed and the healthy ends reattached, a procedure called bowel resection” (UCSF Center for Colorectal Surgery, n.d.). When volvulus is diagnosed and treated promptly, the outcome is usually positive. When cecopexy and bowel resection surgical procedures are necessary, the success rate is high and the risk of recurrence is low. When the sigmoidoscope is used to untwist the colon and relieve the condition, it is more likely that the problem will recur. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized document from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Obstruction of the intestines is something that I have understood and read about in the past. I now understand that the occurrence of this condition is quite rare in the United States. There are few statistics regarding volvulus because it is a relatively rare cause of intestinal obstruction; causing less than ten percent of obstructions. The interesting fact is that the incidence of volvulus is much higher outside the United States. “In contrast, sigmoid volvulus is the underlying etiology in 50 to 80% of patients with intestinal obstruction..