[Volvulus of the small intestine].

Volvulus of the small intestine is a condition of bowel obstruction due to knotting and twisting of the small intestine. Two types of volvulus are described: 1) primary small intestinal volvulus where no predisposing factors exist, and 2) secondary volvulus where congenital or acquired conditions promote twisting of the small intestine. Over a 5-year period, 18 patients (eleven men and seven women) presenting volvulus of the small intestine are operated in the Emergency Surgery Clinic of the University Hospital "Queen Giovanna", representing 8.