Therapy | Volvulus

Therapy

Acute volvulus: The acute volvulus is an emergency, the aim of the therapy is to restore the correct position of the intestinal sections as quickly as possible. If a volvulus is suspected, an operation is prepared and performed immediately, since the time when the intestine is undersupplied is crucial to its prognosis and only rapid action can prevent possible death. During the operation, the intestine is first turned back and the sufficient blood supply is tested and ensured.

If the intestinal sections are intact, they are fixed if necessary to prevent a further incident. Intestinal sections that have already been damaged too much, due to the deficiency in blood supply or because they may have burst (perforated), must be removed. For this purpose, the section in question is cut out and the two open ends of the intestine are joined together.

An exception is the therapy of the volvulus of the sigmoid colon, in which an attempt can be made to turn the colon back into the correct position with the help of enemas using a probe inserted into the anus. If this fails, an operation as described above is performed. Chronic volvulus: Here, too, the therapy of choice is surgery. Similar to the acute volvulus, an attempt is made to turn the bowel back into its correct position and fix it there.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on the length of the affected bowel segment and the time of deficiency. If large parts of the small intestine have to be removed, there is a risk of developing short bowel syndrome. These are digestive and food intake disorders as a result of the shortened intestinal passage, which can lead to complications under certain circumstances throughout life.

Prevention

There is no clear measure to prevent intestinal twisting, but you can pay attention to your intestinal health and thus reduce the risk. In addition above all a healthy nutrition with much fruit and vegetable, as well as ballast materials belongs. In addition, one should pay attention to a sufficient liquid supply.

Most suitable are beverages with little to no sugar, such as water or tea. Regular exercise and sports also keep the intestines fit, as these stimulate digestion.