Cecal Volvulus

Volvulus occurs when portions of the bowel get entangled upon a mesenteric axis, which can cause impairment of the blood supply or result in complete or partial obstruction of the bowel lumen. This condition usually affects the colon. Colonic volvulus is a rare occurrence in the United States, attributing to approximately 4% of causes of large bowel obstruction, followed by cancer and diverticulitis. Of note, there are certain regions where colonic volvulus happens more frequently. In areas of the Middle East, India, South America, Africa, and Russia, colonic volvulus contributes to approximately 50% of all accounts of colonic obstruction. The regional areas listed above have been coined the "volvulus belt." Sigmoid volvulus occurs more frequently than cecal volvulus (see Cecal Volvulus).