INFO/WWW: Volvolus means twisting of the gut, especially the sigmoid colon. In small bowel obstruction vomiting occurs earlier, distension is less and the pain is higer in the abdomen. On AXR small bowel obstruction shows central gas shadows (gas-fluid interfaces) and there is no gas in the large bowel. Small bowel is identified by valvulae conniventes which completly cross the lumen - in contrast large bowel haustra do not cross all the lumen`s width. Causes: Adhesions, herniae, intussusception, paralytic ileus, tumour, gallstones In large bowel obstuction pain is more constant. On AXR gas is ususally proximal to the blockage located. Causes: tumour, volvolus, faeces
