Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation
05:50

Gastric Point of Care Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition and Interpretation

Published on: September 22, 2023

Infants with radiologic diagnosis of gastric volvulus: are they over-treated?

E A Elhalaby1, E M Mashaly

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.

Pediatric Surgery International
|December 1, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Gastric volvulus (GV) in infants requires tailored management. Acute or secondary GV necessitates surgery, while chronic idiopathic GV can be safely managed conservatively.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Gastric volvulus (GV) is a rare but serious condition in infants, characterized by the abnormal twisting of the stomach.
  • Management strategies for infantile GV vary, necessitating a clear understanding of clinical and radiologic features to guide treatment decisions.

Observation:

  • This retrospective study reviewed 13 infants with radiologically confirmed GV, divided into surgical (acute or secondary chronic GV) and conservative (idiopathic chronic GV) groups.
  • Acute GV presented with vomiting, dehydration, and respiratory distress, while chronic cases showed vomiting and failure to thrive. Associated anomalies were noted in secondary GV cases.
  • Surgical intervention (laparotomy) was required for all 5 infants with acute or secondary chronic GV, with no recurrences.

Findings:

  • Conservative, nonoperative management led to symptom improvement in 8 infants with idiopathic chronic GV over 12 months.
  • Laparotomy is indicated for acute or secondary chronic GV, whereas conservative treatment is effective for chronic idiopathic GV.
  • Routine gastropexy for all diagnosed GV cases may constitute overtreatment.

Implications:

  • Differentiating between acute/secondary and idiopathic chronic GV is crucial for selecting appropriate management.
  • Conservative management offers a safe and effective alternative for specific pediatric GV cases, avoiding unnecessary surgical procedures.
  • This study refines treatment protocols for infantile gastric volvulus, optimizing patient outcomes and resource utilization.

Related Concept Videos

Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care01:25

Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care

Surgical management and nursing care are crucial in treating Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD). Here is an organized and enhanced overview of the surgical interventions and the associated nursing care for PUD:
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease