Cecal volvulus is a serious condition where the cecum coils around itself, causing an obstruction. Surgery is needed to correct the twisting and reposition the cecum. Symptoms include bloating, nausea, and cramps, and older adults are more at risk.
Cecal volvulus is a serious medical problem involving the intestines in which the cecum, the first portion of the large intestine, coils around itself and creates an obstruction. This condition can be very dangerous and is treated with surgery to correct the twisting of the intestine and position the cecum so it cannot twist back on itself. A general surgeon can provide treatment or the patient can consult a gastroenterology specialist for the surgery.
This condition occurs when the cecum moves out of position, rather than staying anchored to the abdominal wall, and then rolls in on itself. The obstructed cecum makes it impossible for material to drain from the small intestine into the large intestine. Over time, the tissue can die because the twisting cuts off the supply of oxygen and nutrients, and the patient may be at risk of bowel rupture if the obstruction is not treated, allowing bowel contents to spill into the abdominal cavity.
Patients with cecal volvulus may experience symptoms such as bloating of the abdomen, nausea and cramps. A medical imaging study will show that an intestinal obstruction is present and provide some insight into its nature. A colonoscopy may be recommended to gather more information about the condition and, in some cases, to correct it. In other patients, a procedure will be needed in which the abdomen is opened to reach the intestines.
During surgery, your intestines will be gently unrolled and checked for signs of dead tissue and other complications. Once the surgeon is satisfied with the health of the patient’s bowel, the bowel can be repositioned and the patient resealed. Potential complications of cecal volvulus surgery include bowel perforation and infection, both of which will be significantly less likely if the patient works with an experienced surgeon and receives surgery in a reputable facility.
Older people tend to be more at risk for cecal volvulus. Some older adults regularly experience irregular bowel function and symptoms such as abdominal pain and tenderness and may not identify the early warning signs of cecal volvulus. Typically, any disruption of normal bowel function is cause for concern, even if other symptoms seem familiar or normal to the patient; if a patient is used to abdominal cramps but usually defecates once a day and then suddenly doesn’t, for example, this is a sign that there may be a problem in the intestinal tract.
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