Volvulus of the stomach in childhood: the spectrum of the disease.

INTRODUCTION

During a 5-year time frame, five cases of symptomatic gastric volvulus were diagnosed and treated in our department. Four presented with the acute form of gastric volvulus and underwent emergency surgery. The fifth suffered the chronic variant of the syndrome and was benefited by nonoperative management. The cases serve to remind emergency physicians of the spectrum of gastric volvulus. The report supplements the sparse clinical description in the emergency literature.

RESULTS

In the operated patients, there were no postoperative complications. The outcome, to the time of publication, has been good in every instance. The history, etiology, presentation, and treatment of the disease are discussed in detail.

CONCLUSIONS

Not infrequently, gastric volvulus in children fails to exhibit the full gamut of signs and symptoms such as abdominal distension, vomiting, pain, and retching. For this, as well as for other stated reasons, symptomatic gastric volvulus in infancy and childhood may not be as rare as is commonly assumed.