What is the Difference Between Intussusception and Volvulus?

Intussusception and volvulus are two different conditions that cause a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract. They share similar symptoms but have distinct causes and treatments.

Intussusception:

• Occurs when one part of the gut (small intestine/bowel) becomes sucked into another part, sometimes described as the intestine being 'telescoped'.
• Common symptoms include tummy pain, tiredness, irritability, becoming floppy, vomiting, and blood or a sticky fluid (mucus) in the stool.

Volvulus:

• Occurs when the bowel twists around itself, rather than being caught up inside itself.
• A loop of bowel gets wound around another part of the bowel, along with the tissue that surrounds it (mesentery).
• The twisting causes a blockage, preventing the contents of the bowel from passing through, and can also cut off the blood supply to that part of the bowel, causing that section to die if not treated quickly.

Both conditions can occur at any age but are more commonly found in children. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for both intussusception and volvulus to prevent complications such as bowel ischemia, necrosis, perforation, sepsis, shock, and even death.

Comparative Table: Intussusception vs Volvulus

Intussusception and volvulus are two different conditions that cause a blockage of the guts (bowel obstruction). Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

Both conditions may have similar symptoms, but their causes and treatments are different. Intussusception occurs when one part of the gut slides into the next part of the gut, while volvulus occurs when a loop of bowel twists around itself.