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Volvulus (caecal)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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A caecal volvulus occurs when there is twisting of the bowel at the caecum and resultant intestinal obstruction.

Torsion occurs in individuals who have a mesentery to the caecum and ascending colon; a twist at this site causes the ileum to wrap around the ascending colon. Distention of the caecum ensues to the extent that the volvulus can be felt as a palpable mass. The patient may have vomiting, abdominal pain and constipation.

The classical radiological appearance of this condition is the 'comma' sign - there is a gas-filled ileum and caecum.

Treatment is by decompression and resection, or fixing of the caecum to the posterior abdominal wall.


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