It is also known as a redundant colon.
A tortuous colon does not always cause symptoms.
When it does, symptoms can include constipation and other digestive problems.
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Tortuous colon can sometimes also cause a rare bowel obstruction.
Medications may also be prescribed to reduce pain and cramping.
What Is a Tortuous Colon?
Thecolonis the longest part of the digestive system.
It removes nutrients and water from your food and passes waste into your rectum.
When the colon is abnormally long, it needs to loop or bend so that fit inside the body.
This is referred to as “tortuous colon” or “redundant colon.”
Many healthcare providers use these terms interchangeably (as is done throughout this article).
In addition, they do not increase your risk of gettingcolon cancer.
Symptoms of Tortuous Colon
Most people who have a tortuous colon have no symptoms.
Symptoms of a bowel obstruction include:
Get immediate medical assistance if you experience any of these symptoms.
Causes
There are a variety of reasons why a person might have a tortuous colon.
In some cases, the cause can’t be identified.
Diagnosis
A tortuous colon is usually diagnosed with imaging tests such as a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend a CT scan to help them find other possible causes of your symptoms.
Drinking lots of watermay alsoease constipationcaused by a tortuous colon.
However, the benefits of its specific use in tortuous colon remain unproven.
What Does FODMAP Mean?
Otherwise, good digestive habits and responding promptly to urges to have a bowel movement are recommended.
It’s used in capsule form, often coated to better protect the esophagus and avoid heartburn.
Medical Treatment
There is no single specific treatment protocol for a tortuous colon.
Options include:
Treating Colonic Volvulus
An intestinal blockage is a medical emergency.
If part of your colon becomes blocked, you may need to undergo a decompression procedure.
During this procedure, a soft tube is inserted through the rectum and into the obstructed loop.
This procedure helps release gas and fluid.
In some cases, surgery is required.
This may involve removing a portion of the colon.
It is possible that a tortuous colon may be identified as you go through diagnostic testing for IBS.
It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may lump your symptoms under the same IBS umbrella.
Even still, tortuous colon is uncommon.
More research is needed to understand this relationship.
Can You Have a Colonoscopy With a Tortuous Colon?
This is where the small and large intestines meet.
This tissue can then be tested for the presence of cancer cells.
A tortuous colon can make this procedure challenging.
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’re free to manage the symptoms with over-the-counter and at-home remedies.
Treatment options include prescription medications, with surgical interventions in rare and complicated cases.
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