What does volvulus mean?
Volvulus is a medical term for the twisting of a tubular organ, especially the intestine, around itself. The condition may obstruct the passage of intestinal contents and can interfere with the blood supply to the affected bowel, making some cases a surgical emergency. The word is most often used in combinations such as intestinal volvulus, sigmoid volvulus, and cecal volvulus, which identify the general area or the specific part of the bowel involved. In medicine, a volvulus is distinct from a simple temporary cramp or an ordinary twisting of tissue: it refers to a structural twist with potentially serious consequences. The term comes from Latin and is related to English words such as convolute, involute, and volute, all of which reflect the Latin idea of turning or rolling. Its specialized meaning makes volvulus an important term in emergency medicine, surgery, radiology, and veterinary medicine.
nounA twisting of a tubular organ, especially the intestine, around itself. The twist can obstruct the passage of intestinal contents and compromise blood flow.
- A twisting of a tubular organ, especially the intestine, around its own axis or attachment, potentially causing obstruction and impaired blood flow.
"An intestinal volvulus can develop when a loop of bowel twists around its attachment to the abdomen."
"Acute intestinal volvulus requires urgent surgical assessment because both obstruction and loss of blood supply may occur."
"The radiologist identified a volvulus when the bowel appeared to twist around its mesenteric attachment."
The plural volvuli follows the Latin form commonly used in medical writing; volvuluses is also encountered.
"Several volvuli were identified during the examination."
The word names the twist that can turn a bowel into a time-sensitive medical emergency.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of volvulus
Volvulus comes from the Latin noun volvulus, meaning a twisting or rolling, which is derived from volvere, “to roll” or “to turn.” The medical term entered English as a designation for an organ or body structure that twists on itself. English words such as convolute, involute, volute, and volution reflect the same Latin root.
How volvulus is actually used
This is primarily a formal medical term. It denotes a specific anatomical twisting rather than any general kind of twist, although it is most commonly used for twisting of the intestine.
Easily confused with volvulus
A volvulus is a pathological twisting of an organ, whereas a vortex is a rotating mass of fluid, air, or particles.