Volvulus of the splenic flexure of the colon

Volvulus of the splenic flexure is rare. Only 20 cases have been reported. Two additional patients are presented. Both had previous abdominal operations and were correctly diagnosed by barium enema. Resection and anastomosis in the two stages was performed in one patient and unwinding with fixation of the bowel in the other. The literature is reviewed and the pathogenesis discussed.