Laparoscopic repair of intrathoracic mesenterioaxial volvulus of the stomach in an adult: report of a case

Abstract

Intrathoracic gastric volvulus is an uncommon entity, in which the stomach undergoes organoaxial torsion occurring in the chest due to the concomitant presence of an enlargement of the hiatus. We herein report an unusual case of acute intrathoracic mesenterioaxial volvulus of the stomach. Gastric rotation occurred at the transverse axis and the mobile pylorus herniated in the chest through a large hiatal defect. Following a reduction of the volvulus through the use of a nasogastric tube, the patient underwent an elective laparoscopic repair. The mechanisms of volvulus with the relative diagnostic and therapeutic implications are discussed.