Volvulus neonatorum is usually due to a defect of normal rotation of the bowel where the caecum remains high, often with a congenital banding passing across the duodenum, which may thus also be obstructed.
A narrow attachment of mesentery suspends the caecum and midgut, which thus are at risk of developing a volvulus.
The volvulus normally develops just below the ampulla of Vater in the duodenum; vomitus is thus bile stained.
If a volvulus develops and is left untreated the whole of the midgut becomes ischaemic and subsequently gangrenous. Prevention of these complications requires treatment in six hours or less from onset.
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.