A volvulus is when a loop of intestine twists around itself and the tissue that supports and connects it to the back wall of the abdomen. This cuts off blood supply and blocks the intestine. It must be treated right away.
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
Some children do not have symptoms. Those who do may have:
The doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This may be enough to make the diagnosis.
Images may be taken to confirm the diagnosis. This can be done with:
An endoscopy may be done. It uses a tube with a camera to view inside the intestine.
The goal of treatment is to unblock the intestine so the bowel will work as it should. Treatment may be:
A tube may be passed into the rectum to untwist the intestine.
Surgery may be done to untwist the intestine. Any damaged parts of intestine will be taken out. The ends of healthy intestine will be sewn together.
American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org
Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics
https://healthychildren.org
Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
https://www.cag-acg.org
Caring for Kids—Canadian Paediatric Society
http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca
Intestinal malrotation and volvulus. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital website. Available at:
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Updated July 2019. Accessed December 30, 2019.
Osiro SB, Cunningham D, et al. The twisted colon: a review of sigmoid volvulus. Am Surg. 2012 Mar;78(3):271-279.
Sigmoid volvulus. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/sigmoid-volvulus. Updated September 29, 2014. Accessed December 30, 2019.
Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Kari Kassir, MD