Intestinal malrotation

Abstract

This spectrum of congenital anomalies is due to aberrant intestinal rotation and fi xation occurring in early gestation. The incidence of malrotation is diffi cult to determine but symptomatic intestinal malrotation has an incidence of about 1 in 6,000 live births. The clinical effects of intestinal malrotation may manifest at any age but most cases present in infancy. Malrotation is an important cause of intestinal obstruction in the newborn. Failure to diagnose and treat the condition promptly can result in fatal midgut volvulus. In 1936, the North American surgeon, William Ladd, emphasized the importance of surgical treatment and his operation (Ladd's procedure) remains the defi nitive treatment today. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.