When viewing this topic in a different language, you may notice some differences in the way the content is structured, but it still reflects the latest evidence-based guidance.

Intestinal malrotation

Last reviewed: 6 Aug 2025
Last updated: 27 Aug 2025

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • bilious vomiting
  • abdominal pain
Full details

Other diagnostic factors

  • infant age <1 year
  • normal abdominal exam
  • abdominal distension
  • abdominal tenderness
  • tachycardia with hypertension
  • tachycardia with hypotension
  • tachypnea
  • weight loss
  • dark blood in diaper
Full details

Risk factors

  • embryologic abnormality
Full details

Diagnostic tests

1st tests to order

  • upper gastrointestinal contrast series
  • abdominal plain films
Full details

Tests to consider

  • ultrasound
  • lower gastrointestinal (GI) contrast series
  • CT abdomen (with oral and intravenous contrast)
  • ABG (including lactate)
  • Coagulation studies, type and screen, or cross-match
  • Blood chemistries
  • CBC
  • CRP
Full details

Treatment algorithm

INITIAL

obstruction with ischemia

ACUTE

obstruction without ischemia

intermittent or partial volvulus or obstructing Ladd bands

questionable malrotation or asymptomatic finding

Contributors

Authors

Michael Stanton, MB BS, MD, FRCS (Paed Surg)

Consultant Paediatric Surgeon and Honorary Senior Lecturer

Department of Paediatric Surgery

University Hospital Southampton

Southampton

UK

Disclosures

MS declares that he has no competing interests.

Acknowledgements

Dr Michael Stanton would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Stephen Shew, Dr S.D. St Peter, Dr Fizan Abdullah, and Dr Omar Karim, previous contributors to this topic.

Disclosures

SS is the author of two references cited in this topic. SDSP is the co-author of one reference cited in this topic. FA and OK declared that they had no competing interests.

Peer reviewers

Casey M. Calkins, MD

Assistant Professor of Pediatric Surgery

The Medical College of Wisconsin

Children's Hospital and Health System

Milwaukee

WI

Disclosures

CC declares that he has no competing interests.

Steve Rothenberg, MD

Chief of Pediatric Surgery

Chairman Department of Pediatrics

The Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Presbyterian/St. Luke's

Denver

CO

Disclosures

SR declares that he has no competing interests.

KuoJen Tsao, MD

Assistant Professor

Department of Pediatric Surgery

University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Houston

TX

Disclosures

KT declares that he has no competing interests.

Eric Nicholls, MD

Consultant Paediatric Surgeon

Paediatric Surgery

St George's Hospital

London

UK

Disclosures

EN declares that he has no competing interests.

Peer reviewer acknowledgements

BMJ Best Practice topics are updated on a rolling basis in line with developments in evidence and guidance. The peer reviewers listed here have reviewed the content at least once during the history of the topic.

Disclosures

Peer reviewer affiliations and disclosures pertain to the time of the review.

References

Our in-house evidence and editorial teams collaborate with international expert contributors and peer reviewers to ensure that we provide access to the most clinically relevant information possible.

Key articles

Shew SB. Surgical concerns in malrotation and midgut volvulus. Pediatr Radiol. 2009;39(suppl 2):S167-71. Abstract

Expert Panel on Pediatric Imaging, Alazraki AL, Rigsby CK, et al. ACR appropriateness criteria® vomiting in infants. J Am Coll Radiol. 2020 Nov;17(11s):S505-15.Full text  Abstract

Graziano K, Islam S, Dasgupta R, et al. Asymptomatic malrotation: diagnosis and surgical management: an American Pediatric Surgical Association outcomes and evidence based practice committee systematic review. J Pediatr Surg. 2015 Oct;50(10):1783-90. Abstract

Ooms N, Matthyssens LE, Draaisma JM, et al. Laparoscopic treatment of intestinal malrotation in children. Eur J Pediatr Surg. 2016 Aug;26(4):376-81.Full text  Abstract

Reference articles

A full list of sources referenced in this topic is available to users with access to all of BMJ Best Practice.
  • Intestinal malrotation images
  • Differentials

    • Duodenal atresia/web
    • Intussusception
    • Gastroesophageal reflux
    More Differentials
  • Guidelines

    • ACR appropriateness criteria® vomiting in infants
    • Clinical practice guidelines for antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgery
    More Guidelines
  • Videos

    Nasogastric tube insertion animated demonstration

    More videos
  • padlock-lockedLog in or subscribe to access all of BMJ Best Practice

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer