Q43.3: Congenital malformations of intestinal fixation

Your intestines are not properly attached to the abdomen. This condition is congenital, which means you were born with it.

The intestines are made up of the small intestine and the large intestine or colon. Most of the nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. The large intestine (colon) is where water and salt are withdrawn from the stool. The last segment of the large intestine (colon) is the rectum. Stool then leaves the body through the anus. The intestines are attached to the abdomen by a type of ligament. This attachment holds the intestines in their correct place in the abdomen. It also provides a conduit for the blood vessels and nerves supplying the intestines. The intestines and the intestinal attachment develop before birth.

In your case, the attachment of the intestines has not developed properly. This may mean that the intestines are not in the correct position in the abdomen. The intestines and their attachment may also be stuck together. This defect may mean that the intestines twist around themselves. When the intestines twist around themselves, the blood vessels may become kinked and the intestines damaged. Other parts of the intestines or other organs may also be pinched. You can then have various problems. For example, you may feel a frequent urge to vomit. You may also have severe abdominal pain from time to time.