Gastric volvulus. Presentation of a new case and review of the literature

A case is presented of acute gastric volvulus associated with paraesophageal hernia. Gastric volvulus is an infrequent clinical entity that generally appears in chronic form secondary to diaphragmatic pathology. Pathogenesis rests on two factors, relaxation of the supporting ligaments and neighboring associated pathology that acts to trigger gastric distension. Early diagnosis and treatment of acute forms and prophylactic surgery of chronic forms would lead to practically null mortality figures. The surgical technique, aside from devolvulation, includes hiatal repair in cases associated with paraesophageal hernia, gastropexy being sufficient for other forms.