[Gastric volvulus, an infrequent cause of acute abdominal pain]

Gastric volvulus (GV) is characterized by the abnormal rotation of a portion of the stomach around a horizontal or vertical axis that can cause obstruction, vascular disorder and even strangulation, and may evolve into necrosis or even perforation. It can be classified according to its aetiology into primary or secondary GV, according to its anatomy into axial organ or into axial mesenteric GV, and according to its presentation into chronic or acute GV. Both types of volvulus require treatment; however, in spite of the classic treatment being open surgery, there is no standard treatment, nor is there consensus on the alternative of choice at present. Minimally invasion techniques, whether endoscopic or laparoscopic, should be considered in patients of advanced age or high surgical risk, where what is sought is a reduction in perioperative morbidity and mortality.