Ileus vs. Volvulus — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 8, 2024
Ileus is a temporary and often reversible halt in intestinal activity, while volvulus involves the twisting of the intestine, leading to obstruction.
Difference Between Ileus and Volvulus
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ileus is characterized by a lack of intestinal activity that can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating, without any physical blockage, whereas volvulus is a physical twisting of a part of the intestine that not only halts the passage of contents but also can cut off blood supply, leading to more severe complications. Volvulus is often considered a surgical emergency due to the risk of bowel necrosis, while ileus may resolve with conservative treatment, including the cessation of oral intake and the use of medications to stimulate bowel activity.
Patients with ileus often experience a gradual onset of symptoms, including the inability to pass gas or bowel movements, whereas volvulus symptoms can be sudden and more severe, often accompanied by intense abdominal pain and vomiting.
Diagnostic approaches differ between the two; imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans for ileus may show gas patterns indicative of halted bowel movement, while for volvulus, these imaging techniques might reveal a distinctive "whirl sign" indicating the twisted loop of the intestine.
Management strategies for ileus focus on addressing the underlying cause, such as post-operative recovery or medication side effects, and supporting the bowel to resume normal function. Volvulus, on the other hand, typically requires urgent surgical intervention to untwist the affected segment of the intestine and prevent necrosis.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A temporary cessation of bowel motility
The twisting of a part of the intestine
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Symptoms
Abdominal bloating, pain, nausea
Sudden abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting
Causes
Surgery, medications, infections
Malrotation, adhesions, congenital defects
Treatment
Non-surgical (fluids, NG tube, medication)
Surgical intervention required
Complications
Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance
Bowel necrosis, perforation, shock
Compare with Definitions
Ileus
Often related to surgery or medication.
Postoperative patients are at risk for ileus.
Volvulus
A medical condition involving the twisting of the intestine.
The sudden severe abdominal pain was due to a volvulus.
Ileus
Can cause abdominal discomfort and bloating.
The main symptom of his ileus was bloating.
Volvulus
Often presents with sudden, severe symptoms.
He was rushed to the ER with symptoms indicative of volvulus.
Ileus
Managed with bowel rest and supportive care.
They treated his ileus with intravenous fluids.
Volvulus
Can lead to bowel obstruction and necrosis.
Emergency surgery was required to correct the volvulus.
Ileus
A condition of halted intestinal motility.
After her abdominal surgery, she developed an ileus.
Volvulus
Requires immediate surgical intervention.
The CT scan confirmed a sigmoid volvulus, necessitating surgery.
Ileus
May resolve without surgical intervention.
Her ileus resolved after a few days of conservative treatment.
Volvulus
Associated with specific risk factors.
Congenital malformations can increase the risk of volvulus.
Ileus
Ileus is a disruption of the normal propulsive ability of the intestine. It can be caused by lack of peristalsis or by mechanical obstruction.
Volvulus
Abnormal twisting of the intestine causing obstruction.
Ileus
Intestinal obstruction causing colic, vomiting, and constipation.
Volvulus
(medicine) Obstruction of the bowel in which a loop of bowel has abnormally twisted on itself.
Ileus
Disruption of the normal propulsive ability of the gastrointestinal tract, due to failure of peristalsis.
Volvulus
The spasmodic contraction of the intestines which causes colic.
Ileus
Disruption of the normal propulsive ability of the gastrointestinal tract from any cause.
Volvulus
Abnormal twisting of the intestines (usually in the are of the ileum or sigmoid colon) resulting in intestinal obstruction
Ileus
A morbid condition due to intestinal obstruction. It is characterized by complete constipation, with griping pains in the abdomen, which is greatly distended, and in the later stages by vomiting of fecal matter. Called also ileac passion or iliac passion.
Ileus
Blockage of the intestine (especially the ileum) that prevents the contents of the intestine from passing to the lower bowel
Common Curiosities
What causes volvulus?
Volvulus can be caused by congenital malformations, adhesions from previous surgeries, or other conditions that affect the stability of the intestine.
What is ileus?
Ileus is a temporary cessation of the normal muscular contractions of the gastrointestinal tract.
How is ileus treated?
Ileus is primarily treated with supportive care, including nasogastric suction, IV fluids, and sometimes medications to stimulate motility.
Can ileus occur after surgery?
Yes, ileus is common after abdominal surgeries due to the temporary disruption of bowel motility.
What is the difference in treatment between ileus and volvulus?
Ileus is often managed conservatively, while volvulus usually requires surgical intervention to untwist the intestine.
What are the symptoms of volvulus?
Volvulus symptoms include sudden, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, bloating, and the inability to pass gas or bowel movements.
How long does it take for ileus to resolve?
The duration of ileus can vary, but it often resolves within a few days to a week with proper management.
Can ileus lead to complications?
Yes, if not properly managed, ileus can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and prolonged hospital stays.
Is volvulus a medical emergency?
Yes, volvulus is considered a surgical emergency because it can cut off the blood supply to the intestines, leading to necrosis.
How is volvulus diagnosed?
Volvulus is diagnosed through physical examination and imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans, which can show the twisted segment of the intestine.
What preventative measures can reduce the risk of volvulus?
Preventive measures may include treating underlying conditions and surgical correction of anatomical abnormalities that predispose to volvulus.
Can children develop volvulus?
Yes, children, especially newborns and infants, can develop volvulus, often due to congenital conditions like malrotation.
Can diet affect the risk of developing ileus?
While diet directly doesn’t cause ileus, proper nutrition and hydration are important in the recovery and prevention of postoperative ileus.
What is bowel necrosis?
Bowel necrosis refers to the death of intestinal tissue, a serious complication that can occur if volvulus is not promptly treated.
Is volvulus more serious than ileus?
While both conditions require medical attention, volvulus is generally considered more serious due to the risk of bowel necrosis and the need for urgent surgical intervention.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
