Gastric volvulus in the pediatric population
D. L. Miller, M. D. Pasquale, R. P. Seneca and E. Hodin
Department of General Surgery, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC 20007.
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.
