PRIMARY VOLVULUS OF THE SMALL-BOWEL

Volvulus of the small bowel without predisposing anatomical defects is a rare cause of acute intestinal obstruction in the Western world, an d its incidence is decreasing in Europe and America, although it is co mmon in others parts of the world. The causes of primary volvulus of t he small bowel and the mechanism of rotation of the entire root of the mesentery remain unexplained. Several anatomical and dietary factors have been implicated. This theory requires strong peristalsis, tense, firm abdominal muscles and feeding pattern of very bulky meals taken a t long intervals. In the present case, a large quantity of bulky poorl y digested food consumed previously, and strong abdominal muscles are in keeping with the above theory.