Symptoms & Signs
- Bloody or dark red stools
- Constipation or difficulty releasing stools
- Distended abdomen
- Pain or tenderness in the abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shock
- Vomiting green material
Symptoms are usually severe enough that infants are taken early to the emergency room, which can be critical for survival.
Diagnosis & Tests
- Barium enema
- Blood tests to check electrolytes
- CT scan
- Stool guaiac (shows blood in the stool)
- Upper GI
Pictures & Images
An intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage that results in the failure of the intestinal contents to pass through the bowel. A volvulus is a twisting of the bowel on itself. It is one cause of intestinal obstruction.
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Volvulus – childhood: Overview, Causes
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Volvulus – childhood: Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Volvulus – childhood: Treatment
Review Date : 3/21/2008
Reviewed By : Stephen Grund, M.D. Ph.D., Chief of Hematology/Oncology and Director of the George Bray Cancer Center at New Britain General Hospital, New Britain, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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