VOLVULUS

VOLVULUS

A volvulus is a twist of the intestine and the mesentery that supplies it ( Figure 77.16 ). It is most commonly seen in the sigmoid colon, where elongation of the colon and mesentery with a narrow posterior attachment exists in some patients. can, however, occur in patients with a hypermobile caecum and rarely in the transverse colon. Patients with sigmoid volvulus tend to be elderly and institutionalised; however, in West African countries it is more commonly seen in younger patients. Patients presenting with a caecal volvulus are usually younger and otherwise well. Predisposing factors include adhe sions, gastric banding, pelvic masses and pregnancy .