After taking a thorough history, the diagnosis of colonic volvulus is usually easily included in the differential diagnosis. Abdominal plain x-rays are commonly confirmatory for a volvulus, especially if a "bent inner tube" sign or a "coffee bean" sign are seen. These refer to the shape of the air-filled closed loop of colon which forms the volvulus. Should the diagnosis be in doubt, a barium enema may be used to demonstrate a "bird's beak" at the point where the segment of proximal bowel and distal bowel rotate to form the volvulus. This area shows an acute and sharp tapering and looks like a bird's beak. If a perforation is suspected, barium should not be used due to its potentially lethal effects when distributed throughout the free intraperitoneal cavity. Gastrografin, which is safer, can be substituted for barium. The differential diagnosis includes the much more common constricting or obstructing carcinoma. In approximately 80 percent of colonic obstructions, invasive carcinoma is found to be the cause of the obstruction. This is usually easily diagnosed with endoscopic biopsies. Diverticulitis is a common condition with different presentations. Although diverticulitis may be the source of a colonic obstruction, it more commonly causes an ileus, which appears to be a colonic obstruction. Endoscopic means can be used to secure a diagnosis although this may cause a perforation of the inflamed diverticular area. CT scanning is the more common method to diagnose diverticulitis. The scan will show mesenteric stranding in the involved segment of edematous colon which is usually in the sigmoid region. Micro perforations with free air may be seen. Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease may cause colonic obstruction. The obstruction may be acute or chronic after years of uncontrolled disease leads to the formation of strictures and fistulas. The medical history is helpful in that most cases of inflammatory bowel disease are well known to both patient and doctor. Other rare syndromes, including Ogilvie's syndrome, chronic constipation and impaction may cause a pseudo obstruction. * Abdominal x-ray – tire-like shadow arising from right iliac fossa and passing to left * Upper GI series File:Sigmavolvulus - Coffee-bean-sign - LSL.Coffee bean sign in a person with sigmoid volvulus File:CT of small bowel volvulus (annotated).CT scan of a small bowel volvulus. It shows two juxtaposed segments of narrowing, which is the spot of mesentery rotation. The other signs indicate strangulation. File:Voluculus.An x-ray of a person with a small bowel volvulus. File:CecalVolvulusXray.Plain X ray of a cecal volvulus File:CecalVolvulus.CT scan of a cecal volvulus
complications of Hernia
complications of Bleeding
complications of Diverticulitis
complications of Cystocele
complications of Peritonitis
complications of Short bowel syndrome
medical cause of Abdominal pain
complications of Ascites