Twisted stomach. Endoscope view of the twisted stomach (gastric volvulus) of a 79-year-old woman with a hiatus hernia (protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm). Volvulus causes severe abdominal pain and vomiting. It can block the passage of food and can lead to strangulation, where the blood supply to the twisted part is cut off. This can lead to tissue death and gangrene. Gastric volvulus requires emergency surgery.