The knot in the intestine, known as torsion, volvulus or volvulus, is a serious problem where there is a twisting of part of the intestine, causing its obstruction and preventing the passage of feces and blood flow to the site, which can cause death of the affected region.
This change can happen anywhere in the intestine, although it is more common in the final part of the large intestine, and usually causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain in the belly, constipation and abdominal swelling.
Intestinal volvulus appears mainly in children and the elderly, due to causes such as congenital changes in the shape of the intestine, intestinal tumors or adhesions caused after surgery or inflammation, for example. If this problem is suspected, it is advisable to go immediately to the hospital for tests that can identify the problem and start treatment, which is usually done with surgery.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of intestinal volvulus are mainly related to the obstruction caused in the intestine, and include:
- Colic-type abdominal pain; Nausea and vomiting; Inability to eliminate stool or gas; Swelling in the belly; Dizziness; Fever.
The intensity and amount of symptoms depends on the location of the torsion and the size of the affected region, with intense abdominal inflammation, which worsens over time and, if not quickly identified and treated, can put the person's life at risk.
What can cause twisting
It is not always possible to identify the cause of this problem, however, the most common are:
- Genetic changes in the shape of the intestine; Intestinal adhesions caused by abdominal surgery or infection; Tumor in the intestine or something causing obstruction and rotation in the intestine;; Chronic constipation.
In addition, people who suffer from dysfunctions in intestinal transit, whether accelerated or slowed, are at increased risk of developing this change. Thus, some ways to avoid the appearance of a twist include drinking about 2 liters of water per day, maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly, as these are ways to keep your bowel habit regularized.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The intestinal volvulus can be confirmed through medical evaluation in conjunction with some tests such as abdominal radiography or abdominal computed tomography.
In addition, the doctor may also order an opaque enema, which is a specific test that uses contrast to observe the entire course of the intestine and identify possible problems in the intestinal path, as in these cases. Understand how this exam works.
How the treatment is done
The intestinal knot is a medical emergency, and should be treated promptly at the hospital. The most used form of treatment is a surgical procedure called decompression colonoscopy, capable of undoing the torsion and allowing blood and feces to pass normally again.
However, in the most severe cases, where the torsion is difficult to undo or the intestine has suffered a heart attack due to lack of blood, the doctor may choose to have a classic surgery with a cut on the belly to remove the part of the dying organ.
In these cases, if the removed portion is very large, it may be necessary to have a colostomy, which consists of a permanent connection of the intestine to the skin of the belly to allow feces to escape. See what it is and how to care for a colostomy.
