COMPLETE SMALL-BOWEL VOLVULUS COMPLICATING THE 2ND TRIMESTER

Background. Volvulus is the second most common cause of intestinal obs truction in pregnancy. Rarely is the small bowel involved, and even le ss frequently is the volvulus complete. Case: The patient was referred at 24 weeks and 4 days' gestation for persistent anorexia, emesis, an d abdominal distention. History, physical examination, and abdominal r adiographs were consistent with a complete small-bowel obstruction. La parotomy revealed two adhesive bands, which were lysed, and a 360-degr ees volvulus of the small bowel about its mesentery, which was success fully reduced. Conclusion: This patient represents a case of complete small-bowel volvulus successfully treated in the second trimester by d etorsion.