Volvulus of the transverse colon: a postoperative complication of truncal vagotomy and gastrojejunostomy.

An instance of volvulus of the transverse colon in the postoperative period following truncal vagotomy and anterior gastrojejunostomy is reported. The clinical features of volvulus of the transverse colon are sudden onset of abdominal colic, distension and vomiting. A plain X-ray film of the abdomen is diagnostic. Laparotomy is recommended, followed by untwisting alone, or untwisting and colostomy when the bowel is viable, or resection with a transverse colostomy and mucous fistula as a first stage when the bowel is gangrenous.