Abstract

Five cases of volvulus of varying lengths of the small intestine are described. The incidence and the aetiology of the condition are briefly discussed.

Shock as a feature of extensive volvulus is stressed, and its cause in these cases is related to the previous animal experimental work of others. The other clinical features are briefly described.

In the management of these cases the urgency for laparotomy is stressed and immediate delivery from the abdomen of the whole small bowel is advocated. Reference is made to the literature of massive resection of the small intestine to illustrate that the prognosis is not necessarily poor when resections are extensive.