What Causes Intestinal Ischemia?

Bowel Twisting

Abnormal bowel twisting or volvulus occurs when a region of the small intestine or the colon twists. The intestine can twist around the tissues that hold it in place, or it can rotate around itself. This twisting will keep liquid and food from being able to pass through the affected area. When food is unable to move through a part of the lower digestive tract, it is considered an intestinal or bowel obstruction. The most common variation of this condition is called sigmoid volvulus, which occurs when the sigmoid or the last part of the colon becomes twisted. Another common location this condition occurs in is the cecum or the beginning of the large intestine, which is called cecal volvulus. When the twisting results in an obstruction of blood flow and stops the passing of normal intestinal contents, intestinal ischemia will happen. If volvulus triggered ischemia occurs, surgical intervention is needed to prevent another volvulus. Should a volvulus triggered ischemia go untreated, affected parts of the intestines can die from a lack of oxygen.

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