Gastric volvulus

Definition

Gastric volvulus is an uncommon clinical entity defined as an abnormal rotation (twisting) of all or part of the stomach by more than 180 degrees, creating a closed-loop obstruction of the flow of material through the stomach. It can result in incarceration and strangulation, with variable loss of blood supply. Although rare in childhood, a wandering spleen may also be associated with gastric volvulus, because they share a common etiology: congenital absence of intraperitoneal visceral attachments.

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