What does it mean to have a tortuous colon?
What does it mean to have a tortuous colon?
A tortuous colon is one that is longer than normal. In order for this longer tube to fit in your abdomen, the colon ends up with extra twists and turns. Tortuous colon is sometimes referred to as a redundant colon.
Is a tortuous colon bad?
A Redundant Colon or a ‘Tortuous colon’ is a congenital abnormality of the intestines such that the colon is longer than what is considered normal. Though not necessarily dangerous, it is usually diagnosed as a result of a colonoscopy and may make it a more difficult procedure.
What is a tortuous sigmoid?
The part of the colon lying in the left side of the abdominal cavity bends into a loop. Because of its shape, it is called the sigmoid colon. Some people have colons with multiple coils. This gives them a more twisted configuration. These are sometimes referred to as “tortuous” or “redundant” colons.
What does tortuous mean in medical terms?
Medical Definition of tortuous : marked by repeated twists, bends, or turns a tortuous blood vessel.
What problems can a redundant colon cause?
People with a redundant colon are at increased risk for colonic volvulus. This is when the colon twists around itself. Colonic volvulus slows or completely stops the flow of stool, leading to a colonic obstruction, and is often a surgical emergency. A redundant sigmoid colon could lead to sigmoid volvulus.
How does someone get a twisted colon?
Causes of intestinal obstruction may include fibrous bands of tissue (adhesions) in the abdomen that form after surgery; hernias; colon cancer; certain medications; or strictures from an inflamed intestine caused by certain conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or diverticulitis.
How long does it take to recover from twisted bowel surgery?
Full recovery takes six to eight weeks. Will I feel pain? Pain control is important for healing and a smooth recovery. There will be some discomfort after your surgery, including soreness at the incision.
Why have a CT scan after colonoscopy?
A CT colonography can help identify potentially cancerous areas in people who cannot have a colonoscopy because of other medical reasons. It’s less invasive than a colonoscopy, but you may still need to have colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy at a later stage so any abnormal areas can be removed or biopsied.
Can a redundant colon be fixed?
Many people can live with a redundant colon without needing any treatments. Some severe cases (with recurring complications) do require surgical correction.
What is the tortuous path?
full of twists, turns, or bends; twisting, winding, or crooked: a tortuous path. not direct or straightforward, as in procedure or speech; circuitous: tortuous negotiations lasting for months. deceitfully indirect or morally crooked, as proceedings, methods, or policy; devious.
How common is tortuous colon?
However, it is estimated that about 5% of people have this condition. A person with a tortuous colon, however, has a longer intestine that is typically located in the descending colon, which is the portion of the large intestine beginning at the splenic flexure and ending at the sigmoid colon.
What is the treatment for redundant colon?
Medical treatments for a redundant colon may be required in case the symptoms are more severe or in case they do not respond to at-home care steps. Effective treatments usually include surgery, which is essential in case of emergency in a redundant colon, or when the person is not able to pass stool out of the body.
What are the symptoms of a redundant colon?
Second, a redundant colon often does not present any symptoms. If symptoms are present, they can range from mild to severe and may require treatment. The most common symptoms of a redundant colon are: Abdominal pain. Diarrhea. Constipation. Bloating. Fecal Impaction.
What causes a redundant colon?
The most probable cause of redundant colon is constipation. Putting pressure on the colon by straining for a bowel movement twists the colon causing obstruction, swelling or misshaping of the large intestine.