Topic Overview
Doctors have several options for treating a
bowel obstruction caused by twisting of the intestine (volvulus).
The choice of procedure depends on the location of the obstruction.
If the obstruction is caused by a twisting of the
sigmoid area of the large intestine, a doctor may try
to straighten out the twisting segment with lighted instruments (such as a
proctoscope or sigmoidoscope) or a barium enema. But surgery is sometimes needed to fix twisting
of the intestine.
Surgery is recommended for twisting of the
cecum of the large intestine. Doctors may try several
treatments. The blocked section can be removed and the ends reattached. In
another type of surgery, the cecum can be attached to the abdominal (belly) wall so
that it won't twist (cecopexy). A third option is to place a tube into the
cecum (cecostomy) through a small incision in the abdomen. This procedure often
is done for people who are not strong enough to have the other surgeries.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerKenneth Bark, MD - General Surgery, Colon and Rectal Surgery