Gastric volvulus: a case report and a review of literature

Abstract

Volvulus of sigmoid colon and cecum is not uncommon in tropical Africa, but gastric volvulus is relatively rare, especially when compared with various causes of peptic ulcer syndrome seen at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria.A case of chronic intermittent type of gastric volvulus with superficial gastric ulcerations was recently seen and treated by vagotomy, pyloroplasty, and gastropexy.Predisposing factors, various types, presentations, and management of gastric volvulus are discussed.Since an acute attack of gastric volvulus, which is rare and possibly fatal if not adequately treated, can be confused with gastric outlet obstruction resulting from chronic duodenal ulcer, which is common, an index of suspicion is essential for the diagnosis of gastric volvulus.