Volvulus - childhood

Alternative names:

childhood volvulus; volvulus in children

Definition:

A twisting of the bowel with obstruction and variable loss of blood supply.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Volvulus is a condition in which the bowel becomes twisted. Malrotation of the bowel during fetal development may predispose infants to volvulus, although a volvulus can occur in the absence of malrotation. Volvulus 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.