Child health · UKMLA & AKT
Volvulus
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise volvulus — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
Key high-yield points
- Volvulus - twisting of bowel around its mesenteric axis causing obstruction and ischaemia
- In children, most important form is midgut volvulus occurring in the context of intestinal malrotation (congenital failure of normal 270-degree counter-clockwise gut rotation)
- Malrotation: caecum sits in right upper quadrant, mesenteric root is narrow - midgut can twist freely around the SMA; Ladd's bands cross and compress the duodenum
- Malrotation occurs in ~1 in 500 live births; ~80% of symptomatic cases present in the first month of life
Unlock the full Volvulus revision
Get the complete high-yield notes (4 more sections covering investigations, management and complications), 10 practice questions, mock exams and AI tutoring. Start free.