What is splenic flexure syndrome?
Splenic flexure syndrome is a disorder characterized by symptoms in- cluding bloating, fullness, and left upper abdominal pain, which are caused by the distended splenic flexure. 1,2 This syndrome has been recognized as a type of irritable bowel syndrome.
How do you fix a splenic flexure?
But with lifestyle changes and a balanced diet, you can improve and resolve your symptoms. In some cases, splenic flexure syndrome improves and goes away on its own from flatulence or consistent bowel movements. Your doctor may recommend laxatives and other digestive aids to reduce constipation and improve digestion.
How common is splenic flexure syndrome?
Splenic flexure volvulus (SFV) is a very rare condition that is unlikely to be suspected even when a patient has repeated episodes of abdominal pain and dyschezia. We describe the case of SFV diagnosed and treated laparoscopically in the non-volvulus condition.
Can you get diverticulitis in the splenic flexure?
The distribution of diverticula differs significantly according to race. Among white persons, 75% of diverticula were located in the sigmoid colon, 11% in the descending colon or splenic flexure, 6% in the transverse colon, and 8% in the ascending colon or hepatic flexure [9].
What does splenic flexure feel like?
The symptoms of splenic flexure syndrome include bloating, pain in the upper left abdomen, and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. Causes. People with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, are most likely to have splenic flexure syndrome, with some experts even considering it to be a type of IBS.
What causes splenic flexure?
Gas accumulation: This is thought to be the most common cause of splenic flexure syndrome and it occurs due to trapped air in the gastrointestinal tract. The trapped air pushes on the inner lining of the gastric mucosa, putting pressure on the surrounding structures, leading to pain and discomfort.
What does splenic flexure syndrome feel like?
Is splenic flexure syndrome rare?
Splenic flexure volvulus (SFV) is a rare condition of colonic obstruction and is the least common site of the colon to develop volvulus, comprising 2% of colonic volvulus [2]. SFV was first reported in 1953 by Glazer and Adlersberg et al.
What is splenic flexure volvulus?
Volvulus of the splenic flexure is a rare cause of large-bowel obstruction, with predisposing factors including congenitally unfixed colon (absence of phrenocolic ligaments), advanced age, congenital bands, hyperperistalsis, chronic constipation, idiopathic megacolon, neurologic and psychiatric disease or previous …
How do you know if you have splenic flexure syndrome?
How painful is splenic flexure syndrome?
This pain can often be mistaken as a heart attack. Splenic flexure abdominal pain has been described as being severe and lasting for a few minutes, recurring many times for weeks or months. Abdominal distension: This is mainly due to over accumulation of gas in the splenic flexure.
How do you get gas out of your splenic flexure?
Passing stool/gas: While this may be difficult for splenic flexure syndrome patients, doing so can help relieve abdominal pain. Avoid air swallowing: This will help keep excess air out of the GI tract. By chewing food with your mouth closed instead of open, you can reduce excess air consumption.
What is the splenic flexure of the colon?
The splenic flexure is the bend where the transverse colon and descending colon meet in the upper left part of your abdomen. It is the highest point your colon reaches in your body. Why Is the Splenic Flexure Important?
Does splenic flexure syndrome cause constipation?
As stated in an article by HealthResource4u, ingesting too many fatty foods may worsen the distention. Irregularities of the bowel caused by splenic flexure syndrome (SFS) may manifest as diarrhea or as constipation.
What is the position of the splenic flexure in this enema?
The splenic flexure in this single contrast barium enema is relatively short and almost a 90 degree turn. Note its cranial position – it is the highest point of the colon in the abdominal cavity..
What is the colon cut off sign in splenic flexure?
The colon cutoff sign in the splenic flexure is obvious in this patient with acute pancreatitis. The cutoff in this instance is quite straight, but in most patients there is usually a sharp transition from dilated transverse to decompressed descending colon.
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