Malrotation of the bowel in infants and children: a 15 year review.

One hundred and fifty-nine patients with malrotation treated in the Children's Hospital Medical Center between 1951 and 1967 are presented and analyzed with regard to the factors contributing to the success or failure of their management. There were 28 deaths, the majority of which occurred in patients who were less than one month old, had multiple congenital anomalies, or had volvulus of the small bowel with gangrene and perforation. Some of the points we have found most helpful in making the diagnosis are reviewed and the disease as it presents in older children is considered briefly.