This photo is a rarity: Volvulus of the colon due to incorrect fixation. The right hand encompasses the terminal ileum and the sigmoid colon.
A volvulus is defined as abnormal twisting of the intestine which can impair the blood flow to the intestine. The most commonly afflicted part is the colon.Volvulus can lead to gangrene and death of that segment of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal obstruction, perforation of the intestine, and peritonitis. The stomach, small intestine, cecum, and sigmoid colon are all subject to volvulus. Malrotation of the bowel during fetal development can predispose to a volvulus. In developing countries, volvulus is the third most frequent cause of intestinal obstruction after cancer of the colon and diverticulitis.The therapy depends on how severe the case is. If the intestine is still healthy endoscopic decompression followed by elective resection is the treatment of choice. If an ileus (as seen in the picture) or necrosis occurs emergency laparotomy is neccessary.
