[Second-look surgery in ischemic volvulus of the small intestine]

A case of volvulus of the small intestine in a child is reported. At the primary exploration, a segment of the small intestine measuring 240 cm was found to be clinically devitalized. Repeated exploration three days later revealed 90 cm of gangrenous intestine with distinct delimitation from the vital intestine. A second look operation may thus limit intestinal resection in cases of extensive ischaemia of the intestine and indefinite delimitation of the devitalized intestine.