What is a volvulus?

A volvulus refers specifically to the twisting of a portion of the large intestine, which can lead to a blockage and is characterized by a significant disruption in the normal passage of contents through the bowel. This twisting often impairs blood flow to the affected area, potentially resulting in ischemia, which is when the tissue does not receive enough blood and can become damaged or necrotic if not treated promptly.

An essential aspect of understanding volvulus is recognizing that it can occur in various parts of the gastrointestinal tract; however, when it involves the large intestine, it is particularly referred to as a large bowel volvulus, which emphasizes the location and the consequences such as bowel obstruction. The symptoms typically include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and sometimes vomiting, all of which arise because of the significant impairment in normal bowel function caused by the twist.

The other options describe different gastrointestinal issues: inflammation of the bowel (not specifically involving twisting), excess gas formation (a common symptom but not indicative of a volvulus), and appendix infection (which pertains to appendicitis, not bowel twisting). Understanding the distinct pathology associated with each term is key in medical terminology and differential diagnosis.