Volvulus: What Are the Symptoms of a Twisted Colon?
Abdominal pain and bloating can have many causes, but some symptoms require emergency care. Volvulus, often called a twisted colon, can block the bowel and interrupt its blood supply. At Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York, we want our Manhattan patients to understand the warning signs and know when to seek immediate help.
What Is a Twisted Colon?
Colonic volvulus occurs when part of the large intestine twists around the tissue that supports it. This twisting prevents stool and gas from moving through normally.
The two main types are sigmoid volvulus, which affects the lower portion of the colon, and cecal volvulus, which involves the beginning of the large intestine. Both can cause a serious bowel obstruction.
Common Symptoms of Volvulus
Symptoms of a twisted colon may include:
Abdominal cramping or pain that becomes persistent or severe
Noticeable bloating or swelling of the abdomen
Constipation or an inability to pass stool or gas
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal tenderness
These symptoms can overlap with other digestive conditions, so we cannot diagnose volvulus based on symptoms alone. However, abdominal pain combined with increasing swelling, vomiting, or an inability to pass gas needs prompt medical evaluation.
When to Seek Emergency Care
A twisted colon is a medical emergency. Without treatment, reduced blood flow can damage intestinal tissue. The bowel may develop a hole, allowing infection to spread into the abdomen and potentially causing sepsis.
Go to the nearest emergency department for severe or worsening abdominal pain, significant swelling, persistent vomiting, or an inability to pass stool or gas with abdominal pain. Fever, a rapid heartbeat, confusion, or fainting may indicate serious complications. Call 911 if you feel faint, become confused, or cannot get to emergency care safely.
Do not wait for a routine office appointment when these symptoms occur.
How a Twisted Colon Is Diagnosed
Evaluation usually includes a review of symptoms and medical history, an abdominal examination, and imaging such as a CT scan or abdominal X-rays. These tests help identify the location of the obstruction and guide treatment.
Chronic constipation, certain differences in bowel anatomy, and previous abdominal surgery can increase the risk of volvulus. Sharing this history helps the treating team assess the problem.
Treatment Depends on the Type of Volvulus
For some patients with sigmoid volvulus and no signs of bowel damage, a doctor may use a flexible scope to untwist the colon. Surgery is often recommended during the same hospital stay to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Cecal volvulus generally requires surgery. Immediate surgery is also necessary when bowel tissue is damaged or a scope cannot relieve the twisting. When we discuss colon surgery with our New York patients, we explain the recommended approach based on their condition and overall health.
For a non-emergency consultation about colon surgery, contact Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York in New York, NY, by calling (212) 879-6677. Our team can review your diagnosis and discuss appropriate next steps.
