Management of small intestinal volvulus in a district hospital

Primary small intestinal volvulus is one of the common causes of intestinal obstruction in various localities of the developing world. Although the general principles of management of intestinal obstruction apply to it, its diagnosis is dependent on a clinical exclusion of other causes of intestinal obstruction with overt features, and awareness of patterns of obstruction in a given locality. Moreover, in nearly all the cases early operation is recommended for a confirmation of the diagnosis and relief of the obstruction. However, lacking the necessary precautions on operation, sometimes a relief of the obstruction without a diagnostic confirmation may be the result.