What is a tortuous colon?

A tortuous colon is a colon that is much longer than a normal colon. As a result, it has extra twists and turns, allowing it to fit properly in the abdominal cavity, as Riverside Health Information explains.

Referred to as a "redundant colon" in the medical profession, a tortuous colon doesn't necessarily mean there are problems with the colon leading to pain or discomfort. Complications may arise if the colon twists around itself, a term called volvulus, and it results in an intestinal obstruction.

Some people are simply born with a tortuous colon. The problem may not be caught until a colon X-ray or even a colonoscopy is performed.