Disorders of the Gastrointestinal System, 2nd Edition
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Figure 15. Volvulus
Note . Heilman., J. (2012). Volvulus. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Volvulus.PNG CC BY-SA 3.0.
Acute gastrointestinal volvulus is an ab- normal twisting of the small or large intes- tine and has a mortality rate of 30%–40% if diagnosis and treatment are delayed (Thornton, 2022). About 58% of volvulus cases are noted in infants younger than one year, typically because of congenital disorders such as gastroschisis or intesti- nal atresia (Brandt, 2022). Peak incidence
is noted at an average age of 70 years. Although there is no racial predisposition, a higher incidence exists in Africa, India, and the Middle East. This is thought to be related to a diet higher in fiber and chronic constipation, which is the under- lying cause of 50%–80% of all intestinal obstructions in these parts of the world (Hodin, 2022).
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