What is the Difference Between Torsion and Volvulus

The main difference between torsion and volvulus is that torsion is the rotation of internal organs around its own axis, whereas volvulus is the rotation of internal organs around its mesenteric axis. Furthermore, torsions are rare, acute abdominal conditions while volvulus is somewhat common. 

Torsion and volvulus are two conditions of viscera, caused by the twisting organs around different axes. Generally, the two main effects of this type of abdominal obstructions are distended abdomen and sudden death. 

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Torsion
     – Definition, Symptoms, Examples
2. What is Volvulus 
     – Definition, Symptoms, Examples
3. What are the Similarities Between Torsion and Volvulus
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Torsion and Volvulus
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Abdominal Obstruction, Abdominal Pain, Torsion, Volvulus

What is Torsion 

Torsion is the rotation of internal organs around their own axis or around their long axis. Generally, it is more common in the stomach, spleen, part of the liver or intestine. Furthermore, in animals, overfeeding and irregular feeding are the two main causes of torsion. Basically, hungry animals may consume a large amount of food at once. Therefore, the excitement produced during the feeding process results in the twisting of the stomach along with the spleen in the clockwise direction.  

However, with the twisting, the contents in the stomach get fermented, and the resultant gases cause swelling. Moreover, the twisting closes off the esophagus. The two main symptoms of them are the distended abdomen and sudden death. Here, death is mainly due to the rapid increase in intra-abdominal pressure or shock. 

What is Volvulus 

Volvulus is the twisting of internal organs around its mesentery. Generally, it is one of the most common causes of abdominal obstruction. The common site of volvulus is the sigmoid colon. However, less frequently, it can occur in the cecum. Also, bowel obstruction, including features like abdominal pain, bilious vomiting, and distention are the common symptom of volvulus.

Figure 1: A Mesenteric Volvulus in a German Shepherd Dog

Furthermore, the most severe form of volvulus occurs at the root of the mesentery. Basically, it causes obstruction of venous outflow as well as the arterial blood flow to the intestine. Therefore, this results in ischemic necrosis of the small intestine, leading to metabolic acidosis, shock, and death. 

Similarities Between Torsion and Volvulus 

• Torsion and volvulus are two conditions of abdominal obstructions, caused by the twisting of organs about different axes. 
• Both result in abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, constipation, vomiting, bloody stool, etc. 
• Moreover, they can occur rapidly or either gradually. 
• They may result in death. 

Difference Between Torsion and Volvulus 

Definition 

Torsion refers to the rotation of viscera aits own (or long) axis while volvulus refers to the rotation of viscera about its mesenteric attachment.  

Occurrence 

While torsion is a rare, acute condition, volvulus is more common. 

Examples 

Moreover, torsion occurs in the stomach, spleen, part of the liver or intestine while intestinal volvulus is more common. 

Conclusion 

Torsion is the twisting of internal organs around their own axes. Generally, it is a rare and acute condition, which mainly occurs in the stomach, spleen, and some parts of the liver and intestine. On the other hand, volvulus is the twisting of internal organs around its mesenteric attachment. Generally, it is a common condition, which mainly occurs in the small and large intestines. Therefore, the main difference between torsion and volvulus is the axis around which the twisting occurs. 

References:

1. “Torsion (Twist) of Intestines or Stomach.” PigProgress, Available Here.
2. “Volvulus and Intestinal Malrotation.” AMBOSS, Available Here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Volvulus mesenterialis Roentgen” (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia