Acute gastric volvulus in neonates - a diagnostic dilemma.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric volvulus is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition, which is difficult to diagnose. This study presents a series of acute gastric volvulus in neonates with the aim of describing this rare disease and its varied clinical manifestations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of all neonates presenting with acute gastric volvulus between January 2001 and January 2007 was retrospectively reviewed. Diagnosis was made on suspicion and was documented by a barium study. All patients were operated by open anterior gastropexy with or without a feeding gastrostomy.

RESULTS: Four patients were male and 1 was female. All were treated with gastropexy with or without feeding gastrostomy. Four patients recovered well after surgery. There was one postoperative death.

CONCLUSION: Gastric volvulus is extremely rare in neonates but it should be considered in the differential diagnosis after sudden onset or recurrent vomiting in the pediatric age group. Early diagnosis and treatment gives excellent results.