$Unique_ID{BRK00878}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{What is "Volvulus"?}
$Subject{volvulus surgery}
$Volume{I-12}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is "Volvulus"?


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QUESTION:  It took emergency surgery to save my closest friend who suffered
from "volvulus", a condition I never heard of.  Could you please explain what
happened?

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ANSWER:  Volvulus refers to a blockage in the stomach or intestine, occurring
when part of the organ wraps around itself.  This can happen when stomach
ligaments are weak or missing, or where fibrous bands and adhesions are
present as a result of past surgery or inflammatory disease.  Acute gastric
volvulus causes severe pain from trapped gas and fluid, and left untreated can
prove fatal.  The condition must be corrected as soon as possible, either
through surgery or by passing a tube through the patient's nose and into the
intestines to relieve the pressure.  Although the condition can be diagnosed
by observing a patient, x-rays are used to reveal the site of the blockage,
with a contrast material such as barium used to highlight the blockage on the
x-ray image.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
