Gastric Dilation-Volvulus

Abstract

In gastric dilation with volvulus, the stomach becomes greatly enlarged with swallowed air and sometimes food. The stomach then rotates or twists, trapping air, food and digestive fluid. Rotation of the stomach twists vessels that supply blood to the stomach. Interference with blood flow results in inadequate supplies of oxygen to the cells that form the stomach wall. A greatly enlarged stomach also presses on blood vessels that carry blood from the abdomen to the heart. The reduced flow of blood back to the heart causes shock.