Does a "twisted colon" heal itself?
A twisted colon is medically called Tortuous colon. What it means is that the colon is longer than normal with more twists and turns, making colonoscopy difficult. Exact cause is not known - constipation is believed to be one of the factors. Once formed, it however not - however the condition is not serious. It does not lead to ...
What are the causes of a long redundant colon?
What Are the Causes of a Long Redundant Colon?
- Constipation and Dietary Issues. The most probable cause of redundant colon is constipation. ...
- Stress. Because stress can lead to infrequent bowel movements, this can be another contributing factor in the development of constipation and, possibly, redundant colon.
- Toxins and Pathogenic Organisms. ...
- Warning. ...
What is the recovery time for a bowel resection?
- You may not have much appetite after the surgery. But try to eat a healthy diet. ...
- Eat a low-fibre diet for several weeks after surgery. Eat many small meals throughout the day. ...
- Eat yogurt. ...
- Try to avoid nuts, seeds, and corn for a while. ...
- You may need to take vitamins that contain sodium and potassium. ...
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. ...
What causes an enlarged cecum?
What causes an enlarged cecum? Possible causes of cecal volvulus. The large intestine takes in leftover nutrients from the foods you eat and drink, turning them into waste via the colon and rectum. enlargement of the colon. Hirschsprung's disease (where the large intestine becomes inflamed and leads to constipation and obstruction) infections.
What problems does a tortuous colon cause?
What does tortuous and redundant colon mean?
What are the symptoms of a tortuous colon?
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Symptoms may include:
- Pain in lower left side of abdomen.
- Colon spasms.
- Distended abdomen.
- Constipation.
What is the surgery for a redundant colon?
Symptoms of Tortuous Colon
The symptoms of tortuous colon are divided into two broad segments 1. GI tract related symptoms 2. Other organ related symptoms
Treatment of Tortuous Colon
The objective of treatment of tortuous colon is symptomatic relief as it is not a serious health problem. Home remedies and medications usually res...
Home Remedies of Tortuous Colon
1. Adequate water and fluid intake help to regular motion passage. 2. Diet with high fibres content can soften the stool and easy to excrete out. T...
What is a tortuous colon?
Tortuous Colon – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment. Colon or large intestine’s main function is to absorb water and other nutrients from the food particles and storing the stool before expelling it. The term ‘tortuous’ means twisted or bent. Tortuous colon can be described as a condition in which the colon gets severely twisted ...
How to prevent tortuous colon?
An ideal way to prevent tortuous colon formation is to include diet rich in fiber. Eating more fiber food can reduce the extra stress you put on the colon while expelling the stool.
Why do some people have a twisted colon?
Some people are born with tortuous (twisted) colon but for others it develops as a gradual process due to improper diet. Deficiency of fiber in the diet can lead to constipation causing more strain to pass the stool.
What does it mean when your colon is twisted?
The term ‘tortuous’ means twisted or bent. Tortuous colon can be described as a condition in which the colon gets severely twisted and forms loops at many places causing intestinal blockage and pain.
Can a tortuous colon cause a bloated stomach?
The symptoms of tortuous colon are similar to that of any gastrointestinal problems. It can cause bloating or fullness of stomach, excessive gas, heartburn, stomach cramps and constipation. In the long term, accumulated toxins of the colon can cause skin rashes since they cannot be expelled freely from the rectum. Read more on Colon Cancer.
What is a tortuous colon?
While all intestines are full of twists and turns, a tortuous colon is specifically a colon that is longer than normal, subjecting itself to an abnormally high amount of redundancy. According to Dr. Enrique Molina, the percentage of people who live with a tortuous colon is unknown, due to the fact that many go undiagnosed and unnoticed.
How to reduce constipation from a tortuous colon?
A proper diet is the first step to decreasing the chance of having complications with a tortuous colon. According to LiveStrong, the most effective change in one’s diet to alleviate constipation is increasing fluid and fiber intake. ( 5)
Why is my stool hard?
One cause of the development of this health issue is an improper diet. A diet that is lacking in fiber and hydration may result in chronic constipation and hard stool. Eating too many processed foods on a regular basis can also lead to chronic constipation. Chronic constipation causes the person to strain excessively during bowel movements, ...
Why does constipation cause a long colon?
Chronic constipation causes the person to strain excessively during bowel movements, which results in the straining of the intestine as well. Slow movement of bowels with straining during a bowel movement may ultimately result in the lengthening of the colon.
How long is the average colon?
Healthline reports that the average colon is about 47 to 60 inches in length. ( 2) A person with a tortuous colon, however, has a longer intestine that is typically located in the descending colon, which is the portion of the large intestine beginning at the splenic flexure and ending at the sigmoid colon. The descending colon’s function within the ...
Why does my colon twist and bend?
This issue results from the large intestine becoming longer than normal, causing the colon to twist and bend in order to adjust to its allocated space in the body. The tortuous colon’s loops and bends may result in the obstruction of the intestinal tract, and difficulty passing fecal material. This may lead to constipation, which requires lifestyle ...
What is the procedure to insert a colonoscope into the rectum?
This procedure involves inserting a colonoscope into the rectum to detect the presence of this condition. A colonoscopy is particularly effective in making a diagnosis in a patient who has severe twisting and looping. Medical treatment is not always necessary for a tortuous colon.
What is a tortuous colon?
Your colon, otherwise known as your large intestine, is a long, hollow organ that is typically about five feet long. A tortuous colon is one that is longer than normal. In order for this longer tube to fit in your abdomen, the colon ends up with extra twists and turns. Tortuous colon is sometimes referred to as a redundant colon.
What to do if your colon is twisted?
If your elongated or twisted colon is causing you no symptoms, then simply be sure to incorporate good digestive health habits into your life, including following a wholesome, high-fiber diet and responding promptly to urges for having a bowel movement.
What is the test for colon cancer?
The colonoscopy test is an essential test for colon cancer screening. 5 The ideal situation is when the endoscope, the long, lighted tube used during the procedure, can be inserted all the way through the entire colon until it reaches the cecum, which is where the small and large intestine meet.
Why is my colon elongated?
The colon can also become elongated and twisted as a result of a diet low in dietary fiber, chronic constipation, frequent hard stools, and straining to eliminate. In some cases, the cause can't be identified.
Is a tortuous colon a bowel disease?
Tortuous Colon vs. IBS. Many of the symptoms of a tortuous colon are similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). By definition, IBS is diagnosed when there is no structural abnormality (or visible inflammation or injury) and thus IBS and tortuous colon are considered two separate health conditions.
Is a tortuous colon a benign condition?
A Word From Verywell. As stated above, a tortuous colon is an unfortunately named condition. Typically, this is a benign condition that causes no discomfort and rarely leads to serious health problems.
Is a tortuous colon a serious health problem?
Although the condition sounds well, tortuous, most of the time it is not a serious health problem.
What does it mean when your colon is tortuous?
A tortuous colon isn’t called that due to the pain it inflicts. In this instance, tortuous simply means “having bends and twists.” While that’s an apt description for all intestines, a tortuous colon, sometimes known as a redundant colon, simply means the colon is longer than usual. It only becomes a serious problem when the elongated colon loops too much and becomes severely twisted, possibly leading to intestinal blockages.
Why is it called a tortuous colon?
A tortuous colon isn’t called that due to the pain it inflicts. It only becomes a serious problem when the elongated colon loops too much and becomes severely twisted, possibly leading to intestinal blockages.
Why do you need a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is often required to properly diagnose a tortuous colon. If the tortuous colon is too twisted, it can prohibit the doctor from getting the colonoscope through the entire colon, limiting the effectiveness of the procedure.
How to treat a tortuous colon?
This can be done by introducing more fiber to the diet. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s also important to drink generous amounts of water. The combination of the increased fiber and water will produce softer stools and make waste elimination much easier. If the improved diet fails to alleviate symptoms, laxatives may be prescribed to aid with bowel movements.
What is the best treatment for a tortuous colon?
The best treatment for a tortuous colon is to reduce the stress on the colon.
What is the purpose of colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is often required to properly diagnose a tortuous colon. In a colonoscopy, a doctor inserts a thin, flexible camera, called a colonoscope, into the patient’s rectum to examine the interior of the large intestine for any ulcers, tumors, polyps, bleeding, or inflammation.
Is a tortuous colon scary?
Yet despite its name, a tortuous colon isn’t nearly as frightening as it sounds. It’s rarely a serious condition, and the symptoms can normally be treated through dietary changes alone.
What is a virtual colonoscopy?
Virtual Colonoscopy (aka CT colonography) is a less-invasive option where an imaging scan of your colon is done in a way that doctors can literally look inside the wall of the colon and search for any polyps without using a tube to go in . It is a great tool for those who have tortuous colons.
Why is it so hard to digest food after colonoscopy?
It becomes a problem when a doctor needs to perform a colonoscopy because these “kinks” can prevent the doctor from going further into the colon with their tube. People with a tortuous bowel may also have problems digesting their food. Bloating, excessive gas, irregular stools and occasionally dermatological rashes are very common in individuals ...
Is colon cancer a cancer?
Thank you for your question because colon cancer and colon screening is an important topic to discuss. Colon cancer is the 2 nd leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The great news is that death can be prevented if the cancer is caught quite early. Due to this fact, doctors require that men and women over the age ...
Can you see your entire colon?
It is like the colonoscopy in that a thin flexible tube (with a camera attached) is inserted to your anus; however, it does not view your entire colon so any cancer or polyps further in the colon would not be seen.
What is redundant colon?
What is a redundant colon? Your colon (large intestine) is a part of your digestive system. At one end, it attaches to your small intestine. At the other, it attaches to your rectum and anus. Large amounts of bacteria are present in the colon. Bacteria work to break down any remaining undigested food materials.
What is the name of the part of the colon closest to the rectum?
A redundant sigmoid colon could lead to sigmoid volvulus. The sigmoid colon is the part of the colon closest to the rectum. Symptoms of sigmoid volvulus include:
What happens if you leave your colon untreated?
If left untreated, constipation can cause complications, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or rectal prolapse, which causes the intestine to protrude from the anus. People with a redundant colon are at increased risk for colonic volvulus. This is when the colon twists around itself.
How does the colon work?
The colon also absorbs water and transports the remaining waste to the rectum, where it’s expelled as stool. The average colon size is 120 to 150 centimeters (roughly 47 to 60 inches) in length.
How to make your stool soft?
Drinking plenty of water also helps to soften stools, making them easier to pass. If you continue having difficulty with constipation, talk to your doctor. They can recommend a fiber supplement or determine whether you may benefit from a laxative. However, for others, this may make things worse.
Can a redundant colon cause bloating?
Some people may have a redundant colon and never experience symptoms associated with it. Others may have increased bloating, constipation, and fecal impaction. Impaction is caused by large, hard, dry stool that stays in the rectum, making it difficult to pass waste. If left untreated, constipation can cause complications, including hemorrhoids, ...
Is it a medical emergency to have a redundant colon?
It isn’t considered a medical emergency. However, having a redundant colon can increase your risk for some gastrointestinal-related conditions that could require medical treatment. Seek emergency medical help if you: have extreme stomach or lower abdominal pain. don’t have a bowel movement for more than 3 days.

Types
Symptoms of Tortuous Colon
- Most people who have a tortuous colon have no symptoms. They learn that they have this condition after a healthcare provider discovers it while performing a medical test or procedure, or treating another issue. In some cases, though, it can contribute to the following problems such as:2 1. Abdominal pain 2. Abdominal cramps 3. Bloating or swelling of the abdomen (distention…
Causes
- There are a variety of reasons why a person might have a tortuous colon. Some people are born with it, and there may even be a genetic predisposition for the condition. The colon can also become elongated and twisted as a result of a diet low in dietary fiber, chronic constipation, frequent hard stools, and straining to eliminate. In some cases, the cause can't be identified.
Treatment
- An elongated or twisted colon is generally only treated if it is causing symptoms. Otherwise, good digestive habits and responding promptly to urges to have a bowel movement are recommended.
Tortuous Colon vs. Ibs
- Many of the symptoms of a tortuous colon are similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS). By definition, IBS is diagnosed when there is no structural abnormality (or visible inflammation or injury). Thus, IBS and tortuous colon are considered two separate health conditions. It is possible that a tortuous colon may be identified as you go through diagnostic testing for IBS. It's also pos…
Colonoscopy Alternatives
- A colonoscopy is an essential procedure for colon cancer screening.5A long tool with a light at the end, called an endoscope, is inserted into the rectum and threaded all the way through the entire colon until it reaches the cecum. This is where the small and large intestine meet. During this procedure, your doctor can view the health of your large intestine and remove any abnormal …
Summary
- If your colon measures longer than five feet, it will contort itself so that it can fit into your abdomen. The extra loops and bends that form result in a condition known as tortuous or redundant colon. You may have some digestive discomfort such as constipation and cramping, but often there are no issues. In most cases you can manage the symptoms with over the count…