Gastric volvulus in the pediatric population.

Acute gastric volvulus in children is uncommon. Since 1899, only 77 cases have been documented in the world literature. In children, mesenteroaxial volvulus is the most common type and associated anatomic defects are the rule. Diagnostic delays result in gastric ischemia, perforation, and death. Nonoperative mortality is 80%. Early recognition, surgical reduction with gastric fixation, and repair of associated defects are the mainstays of therapy for acute gastric volvulus in the pediatric population.