Primary small bowel volvulus in Nepal

Small bowel volvulus is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. Primary small bowel volvulus occurs without any predisposing cause. It is rare in Western countries but common in Africa and Asia. It is the most common cause of bowel obstruction in Nepal (excluding incarcerated external hernias). Early diagnosis and management is essential to avoid infarction of bowel. Persistent central abdominal pain is characteristic. There is no single specific diagnostic clinical sign or abnormality in laboratory or radiological findings. There is no role of conservative management and, in suspected cases, early laparotomy should be done to avoid bowel infarction. In follow-up patients may present with stricture formation or recurrence of bowel volvulus.