Volvulus of ileum: a rare cause of small bowel obstruction

Small bowel volvulus is a rare but life-threatening surgical emergency. Owing to its rarity, it is seldom entertained as a differential for small bowel obstruction. The aetiology may be either primary or secondary, with secondary being more common in the Western world. Prompt diagnosis and urgent surgical treatment is required if bowel necrosis is to be prevented, which is associated with increased mortality. We present a case of primary ileal volvulus with a gangrenous segment and a brief overview of the current literature.