The pathophysiology and treatment of volvulus were established in the 20th century, by William Ladd. However, evidence for cases of volvulus go as far back as 1550 BC in Egypt.

The most important events considering volvulus historical perspective include:^{[1]_SpringerLink-2|[2][3]}

• Cases of volvulus have been described as far back as 1550 B.C. in ancient Egypt.
• In the early 1800s, the decription of the pathophysiology of volvulus began with a “suspensary muscle” anchoring the duodenal-jejunal junction in the left upper quadrant by anatomist Václav Treitz.
• In 1836, Von Rokitansky described sigmoid volvulus.
• In 1883, Atherton described surgical laparotomy and lysis of adhesions for treatment of volvulus.
• In 1947, Brusgaard challenged Atherton by suggesting that decompression of the affected bowel can be achieved through sigmoidoscopy and placement of a rectal tube.
• In the 20th century, William Ladd a paediatric surgeon established the treatment of volvulus.