Cecal volvulus, a disorder of the colon, is the twisting of the cecum and ascending segment of the colon. Normally, the cecum and ascending colon are fixed to the internal abdominal wall. If not, they can move and become twisted.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of cecal volvulus are crampy abdominal pain and swelling that are sometimes associated with nausea and vomiting.
Tests
In testing, x rays will show the cecum out of its normal place and inflated with trapped air. The appendix may be filled with gas, but little or no gas is seen in other parts of the colon. Upper and lower GI series will locate the volvulus and the position of the colon. A CT scan may show how tightly the volvulus is twisted.
Treatment
A colonoscopy, which uses a small, flexible tube with a light and a lens on the end to see the inside of the colon, can sometimes be used to untwist the volvulus. If the cecum becomes gangrenous or holes develop in it, surgery will be needed.
Topics:
Information provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 05–5120, February 2005. Downloaded December 7, 2007 from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/anatomiccolon/index.htm
Image Credit: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
Page Last Revised: August 26, 2011
Symptoms
The main symptoms of cecal volvulus are crampy abdominal pain and swelling that are sometimes associated with nausea and vomiting.
TestsIn testing, x rays will show the cecum out of its normal place and inflated with trapped air. The appendix may be filled with gas, but little or no gas is seen in other parts of the colon. Upper and lower GI series will locate the volvulus and the position of the colon. A CT scan may show how tightly the volvulus is twisted.
Treatment
A colonoscopy, which uses a small, flexible tube with a light and a lens on the end to see the inside of the colon, can sometimes be used to untwist the volvulus. If the cecum becomes gangrenous or holes develop in it, surgery will be needed.
Topics:
A. Anatomy of the Colon
B. Anatomic Problems of the Colon1. Malrotation and Volvulus
2. Small Bowel and Colonic Intussusception
3. Fistulas
4. Colonic Atresia
5. Sigmoid Volvulus
6. Cecal Volvulus
7. Imperforate Anus (Anal Atresia)
Information provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 05–5120, February 2005. Downloaded December 7, 2007 from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/anatomiccolon/index.htm
Image Credit: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
Page Last Revised: August 26, 2011
