[Torsion of the great epiploon as cause of acute abdomen]. / Torsión del epiplón mayor como causa de abdomen agudo.

Two patients with long term evolution of inguinal hernia and acute abdomen caused by torsion of the major omentum are reported. The main physiopathologic mechanisms involved in the torsion of epiploon as well as the clinical data that could enable us to suspect the diagnosis before performing laparotomy, are reviewed. After searching the literature, the low frequency of presentation of the illness is confirmed. Experience shows us that is less than 0.25 per thousand in the last 20 years.