Internal hernias: a difficult diagnostic challenge. Review of CT signs and clinical findings

Diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasound combined with multi-slice computer tomography (MSCT) for pediatric intra-abdominal hernias: a retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

To explore the diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasound combined with multi-slice computer tomography (MSCT) for pediatric intra-abdominal hernias (IAHs), and to analyze the potential causes for missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of IAHs in children.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 45 children with surgically confirmed IAHs. The diagnostic rate of IAHs by preoperative high-resolution ultrasound combined with MSCT was compared with that of intraoperative examination, and the potential causes for missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis by the combination method were analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty-five cases of pediatric IAHs were categorized into primary (25/45, 55.5%) and acquired secondary hernias (20/45, 44.5%). Among children with primary hernias, mesenteric defects were identified as the predominant subtype (40%). Acquired secondary hernias typically resulted from abnormal openings in the abdominal wall or band adhesions due to trauma, surgery, or inflammation. In particular, adhesive band hernias were the major type in children with acquired secondary hernias (40%). The diagnostic rate of high-resolution ultrasound was 77.8%, with "cross sign" as a characteristic ultrasonic feature. Among 10 cases of missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis, 5 were finally diagnosed as IAHs by multi-slice computer tomography (MSCT). Overall, the diagnostic rate of pediatric IAHs by preoperative ultrasound combined with radiological imaging reached 88.9%.

DISCUSSION

IAHs in children, particularly mesenteric defects, are prone to strangulated intestinal obstruction and necrosis. High-resolution ultrasound combined with MSCT greatly enhances the diagnostic accuracy of pediatric IAHs.

A case study of an acute internal hernia: The complex diagnostic challenges of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass complications

ABSTRACT

Obesity remains a global health challenge linked to several comorbidities, such as obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. The prevalence of bariatric surgeries being performed is steadily increasing because it is a highly effective surgical tool used to achieve significant permanent weight loss. However, with all weight loss surgeries, several complications may not present for months to years after the initial procedure. In particular, the anatomical changes that occur after the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RNYGB) make the risk of internal hernias high. This particular complication is rare but lethal if unrecognized and not treated promptly. This clinical case study aims to provide readers with an overview of diagnosing and recognizing an internal hernia in the setting of previous laparoscopic RNYGB surgical history. Because of the sheer increase in the volume of patients undergoing bariatric surgery worldwide, health care providers must be well educated on the insidious presentations of this late complication and be prepared to act quickly to diagnose and treat these acute abdomen scenarios.

Internal Hernia Through a Mesenteric Defect Following Esophagectomy and Reconstruction With a Stomach-Preserved Ileocolic Interposition

Esophagectomy is the standard treatment for esophageal cancer and often involves the stomach as a substitute organ for esophageal reconstruction. However, we actively perform stomach-preserved ileocolic interposition because of its advantages in gastrointestinal function and the prevention of reflux esophagitis. Despite its benefits, few facilities perform esophageal reconstruction with ileocolic interposition; hence, postoperative complications following this procedure have rarely been reported. We present the first case of internal hernia through a mesenteric defect following esophagectomy and reconstruction with a stomach-preserved ileocolic interposition. This type of internal hernia after esophageal cancer surgery is a rare complication following a common gastric pull-up reconstruction. A 66-year-old Japanese female underwent esophagectomy and reconstruction with stomach-preserved ileocolic interposition for stage I esophageal cancer. One month after surgery, the patient experienced abdominal pain and vomiting. CT showed a dilated small bowel and a suspected postoperative adhesive bowel obstruction. Despite conservative management, the patient experienced recurrent episodes that required hospitalization. Although an exact preoperative diagnosis was not made, we decided on a surgical exploration six months after the first symptoms appeared. Laparotomy revealed an internal herniation through a mesenteric defect between the transverse mesocolon and the ileum mesentery following ileocolic interposition. We then repositioned the fitted small intestine and closed the mesenteric defects. The patient recovered uneventfully without a hernia recurrence. Minimally invasive techniques for treating esophageal cancer are becoming more common. As survival rates improve, the number of internal hernia cases, such as those described in this report, will likely increase. Therefore, more cases are needed to determine whether closing mesenteric defects can effectively prevent herniation. However, immediate surgical treatment should be considered based on the symptoms, even when a preoperative diagnosis is difficult.

Internal Hernia as a Rare Complication of Acute Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a well-known and highly common surgical emergency disease, yet it presents with a wide variety of manifestations. This is a case report of a 47-year-old female who presented with a complaint of having constant crampy right lower abdominal pain for two weeks. The patient reported having a sudden onset of symptoms that went with the typical picture of acute appendicitis that occurred two weeks ago. Our pre-op workup was inconclusive; therefore, we planned to go for a diagnostic laparoscopy, where surprisingly, the appendix was long, inflamed, and attached to the posterior wall of the cecum. Thus, a ring-like structure was developed, in which 8 to 10 cm of the terminal ileum (the last part of the small bowel) was going through and causing an internal hernia. Although blood and radiology workups provide valuable assistance in diagnosing common cases, a highly suspicious sense and skillful surgeons with good clinical experience play a major role in managing such rare presentations.

Petersen's Hernia After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Case Report

Internal hernia (IH) is the protrusion of abdominal contents, mostly small bowel loops, through a defect in the peritoneum or mesentery. Petersen's hernia is a type of internal hernia, in which part of the intestinal loop protrudes through a defect between small bowel limbs, transverse mesocolon, and retroperitoneum. It has been reported in individuals undergoing gastrojejunostomy (GJ), especially following bariatric surgeries. Because of the expanding popularity of these surgical treatments, the total incidence of internal hernias has recently increased. The laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been proven to be a safe and successful alternative to the classic open RYGB. Although the absence of postoperative adhesions is one advantage of minimally invasive surgery, it facilitates the occurrence of internal hernia with reported rates of 5% three months to three years following surgery. Clinical findings are vague and can vary from mild to severe abdominal pain that can be accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and abdominal distention.

Untangling diagnostic confusion in internal abdominal hernias

BACKGROUND

Internal hernias involve the herniation of intestines through mesenteric or peritoneal defects in the gastrointestinal system. Etiologically, they are generally classified as congenital or acquired. Internal hernias often present with non-specific symptoms. Despite the increased use of computed tomography (CT), discrepancies between imaging findings and diagnostic accuracy continue to pose challenges for clinicians. This study aims to compare the outcomes of patients presenting to the emergency department with abdominal pain and receiving a preliminary internal hernia diagnosis through CT, followed by laparotomy.

METHODS

Our research is a retrospective, observational, and descriptive study. It includes patients presenting to the emergency department with abdominal pain, who were provisionally diagnosed with internal hernia based on CT. Patient data recorded age, gen-der, CT-identified internal hernia type, surgery, diagnoses, hospitalization status, duration of hospital stay, bowel resection, mortality, and blood parameters. The Welch classification was used to categorize internal hernia types, with eight types examined.

RESULTS

Among 112 patients with a preliminary internal hernia diagnosis based on abdominal CT, the median age was 52 years. Of these, 46 were female and 66 were male. Among all patients, 87 were admitted to the hospital for observation and surgery, while 25 were discharged after emergency department. Paraduodenal hernias were the most common provisional diagnosis (48 cases). Among these patients, 45 were discharged after symptom relief and were advised for elective re-evaluation. The exact diagnosis for these pa-tients remains unknown. Post-surgery, the diagnosis of internal hernia was confirmed in 32 cases. Among them, 15 were female and 17 were male, with a median age of 52. The median hospital stay for patients diagnosed with internal hernia was 5 days. Although acquired hernias exhibited higher resection and mortality rates, no statistically significant difference was found. Thirty-five cases received dif-ferent diagnoses: 19 had brid ileus, five had volvulus, six had acute appendicitis, one had duodenal perforation, three had gynecological malignancies, and one had renal malignancy.

CONCLUSION

Although internal hernias are rare, early diagnosis and treatment are very important due to the high risk of death. The study findings indicate that increased CT utilization leads to earlier diagnosis and treatment, resulting in improved prognosis for patients. This study holds one of the largest case series in the literature. It provides a novel perspective by evaluating radiologically-diagnosed cases, confirming diagnoses post-surgery, and comparing conditions that mimic internal hernias, thereby making a valuable contribution to the literature.

Multiple Internal Hernias: A Complication of Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Introduction

Internal hernias are the most common cause of small bowel obstruction following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (LRYGBP) with four distinct types. Herein, we report the clinical course of a patient with two independent hernias at the Petersen's space and a rarer subtype at the jejunojejunal window. A high index of suspicion for less common subtypes of internal hernias and the possibility of multiple, simultaneous internal hernias is critical.

Case Description

We describe the case of a 52-year-old female with a history of LRYGBP who presented with abdominal pain and emesis due to an internal hernia at Peterson's defect, requiring subsequent laparoscopic repair. On postoperative day three, the patient presented again with recurrent abdominal pain and emesis. Repeat exploratory laparoscopy found a separate internal hernia involving the jejunojejunal window with the previously repaired Petersen's defect intact.

Discussion

This case illustrates a unique scenario of a patient post-LRYGBP with multiple internal hernias at the Peterson's space and the less common jejunojejunal window, which was missed during the index surgery. Failure to identify simultaneous hernias may result in additional invasive intervention and further morbidity.

Conclusion

Multiple less-common variants of internal hernias may present simultaneously following LRYGBP.

Adhesional Omental Hernia With Small Bowel Obstruction in an Elderly Patient With a Virgin Abdomen: A Case Report

Small bowel obstruction is a frequently encountered surgical condition in adults. Its most prevalent causes include adhesions resulting from prior abdominal surgery or peritoneal infection. However, cases of small bowel obstruction caused by omental bands in elderly individuals with no prior abdominal surgeries are exceedingly rare, with only a few reported in the literature. Here, we report a case of an elderly patient with small bowel obstruction caused by internal herniation through an omental band, without prior abdominal surgery or trauma. The initial impression was mesenteric ischemia, which posed a diagnostic dilemma as the patient did not exhibit any clinical risk factors for mesenteric ischemia with absent history of previous trauma or abdominal surgery. A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed, revealing clustering of small bowel loops in the right hemiabdomen with mild dilatation and a close loop configuration indicative of an internal hernia. Internal hernias are rare and challenging to diagnose clinically as they lack specific signs and symptoms. In this case, CT played a crucial role in enabling preoperative diagnosis of an internal hernia and guiding early management.

Internal Herniation of Small Bowel Underneath Iliac Vascular Axis After Pelvic Surgery: A Systematic Review

Internal abdominal hernias are rare entities that most commonly present with acute small bowel obstruction. These hernias can be congenital or acquired. While congenital hernias are considered the most common type, acquired hernias are becoming more common. Recently, a rare type of internal herniation has been reported underneath iliac vasculature in patients who have undergone pelvic lymph node dissection in the past. This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of this rare type of internal hernia. Two reviewers searched the literature in three online databases using the Cochrane methodology for systematic reviews. The search of databases yielded 70 articles. The studies which reported internal herniation underneath iliac vasculature were included. Studies that reported herniation underneath other pelvic organs or vasculature were excluded. After screening, 17 articles were deemed suitable and selected. All 17 cases reviewed underwent pelvic lymph node dissection in the past. The median latency period between index surgery and clinical presentation with the incarcerated hernia was 20 months. All 17 cases were managed surgically with small bowel resection carried out in 13 cases. Eleven authors reported closing the hernia defect with various techniques, while five decided not the close it. All 17 cases were alive at the time of discharge from the hospital, with a mean hospital stay of 12.7 days. Given our findings, there should be a high index of suspicion of internal hernia in patients presenting with small bowel obstruction with a history of pelvic lymph node dissection. In our review, internal herniation was always preceded by pelvic lymph node dissection, so the closure of the peritoneum should be considered while pelvic lymph node dissection is carried out.

Laparoscopic Management of Para-Caecal Hernia With Small Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report

Para-caecal hernias are a rare type of internal hernias. They can cause bowel obstruction, leading to strangulation of the bowel. As such, urgent diagnosis and appropriate management are important. Both laparoscopic and open approaches are options in terms of surgical treatment. We report a case of a para-caecal hernia causing small bowel obstruction and highlight the laparoscopic approach as a feasible and effective way of management.

From Recurrent Pain to a Life-Threatening Condition: A Case Report of Left Paraduodenal Hernia

Paraduodenal hernia (PDH) is the most frequent type of congenital hernia, especially on the left side. Although acute intestinal obstruction due to internal hernias is rare, it can be life-threatening if not detected and treated promptly. Here, we present the case of a 36-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with an acute intestinal obstruction that had been developing for three days. The patient had a history of recurrent abdominal pain but had never undergone any abdominal surgery. Surgical exploration revealed a left internal PDH with a collection of incarcerated jejunal loops retrocolically encased within the hernial sac. Resection of the gangrenous jejunal loops was performed, followed by hernia reduction and neck closure. This case highlights the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis of left PDHs, particularly in patients with a history of recurrent abdominal pain and no prior abdominal surgeries. Early detection and treatment can prevent life-threatening complications such as intestinal perforation and peritonitis.

Successful Laparoscopic Management of Pericaecal Hernia Causing Small Bowel Obstruction

Management of small bowel obstruction varies depending on the cause and clinical status of patients. While most cases can be managed conservatively, a not-insignificant proportion of patients undergo surgical intervention. Laparotomy has long been the default approach for entering the abdomen in cases requiring surgical intervention, with laparoscopy largely being avoided due to abdominal distension and the risk of perforating bowels on entry. We present here the case of a 54-year-old woman who presented with signs and symptoms as well as radiological evidence of a closed-loop small bowel obstruction in her right lower quadrant. Following a brief period of nasogastric decompression, her abdominal distension improved, allowing for a laparoscopic entry where a pericaecal hernia was noted to be the cause of her obstruction. Extensive adhesiolysis without the use of an energy device successfully allowed for the reduction of the bowel contained within. No bowel resection was performed and the patient was discharged home on day 3 following her procedure. This case report successfully demonstrates the utility of using laparoscopy as an alternative to laparotomy in patients with a small bowel obstruction secondary to an internal hernia.

An Unusual Presentation of Cecal Volvulus With Internal Herniation Through the Foramen of Winslow

Internal hernias through the Foramen of Winslow account for 0.1% of abdominal hernias and 8% of internal hernias, with a mortality rate of 36%-49%. Cecal volvulus accounts for only 1%-1.5% of all intestinal obstructions with a mortality rate of up to 48%. We present a case of a 56-year-old female evaluated for lower abdominal pain and nausea who received a right hemicolectomy after reduction of a cecal volvulus with internal herniation through the Foramen of Winslow. The ambiguous presentation can complicate initial management, but early detection is essential for quick operative repair and prevention of onset or progression of bowel ischemia and necrosis.

Right Paraduodenal Hernia as a Cause of Acute Abdominal Pain in the Emergency Department: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Paraduodenal hernias (PDHs) represent an unusual cause of acute abdominal pain in the Emergency Department (ED) and are associated with high morbidity attributable to a challenging clinical and radiological diagnosis, as signs and symptoms mimic other frequent causes of acute abdominal pain. We report a right paraduodenal hernia in a 37-year-old female patient who presented to the ED complaining of abdominal pain located in the right lower abdomen and hypogastrium, accompanied by nausea. During diagnostic work up, the abdominal computed tomography scan revealed the presence of small bowel malrotation with concomitant right paraduodenal hernia. These findings were confirmed intraoperatively. We performed a brief literature review about the clinical manifestations and treatment options of right paraduodenal hernias, which retrieved only 30 articles related to this condition. Prompt diagnosis, radiological or intraoperative, of paraduodenal hernias is crucial because nearly 50% will progress to small bowel obstruction. Therefore, it is essential for every clinician to account for them in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain in the ED.

Simultaneous Winslow and Petersen’s Hernias after a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Causing Bowel Obstruction: Laparoscopic Management and Review of the Literature

Internal hernias after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are one of the most common complications in bariatric surgery leading to hospital readmissions with or without surgery. Due to the insidious and non-specific clinical presentation combined with difficult radiological identification, internal hernias remain a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a patient presenting an unusual intestinal obstruction due to two simultaneous and distinct internals hernias affecting the Petersen’s defect and the foramen of Winslow 4 years after a laparoscopic gastric bypass. A 41-year-old female patient with a history of robotic laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass presented with proximal small bowel obstruction symptoms and epigastric pain. Computed tomography showed two simultaneous internal hernias, one affecting the Petersen’s defect and the other affecting the foramen of Winslow with an incarcerated transverse colon. We performed an explorative laparoscopy to reduce both hernias and, after an assessment of bowel viability by indocyanine green angiography, we closed both defects with interrupted non-absorbable sutures to prevent recurrence. The follow-up of more than 1 year has been uneventful. In the cases of obstruction and hospital admission after gastric bypass, we suggest that patients undergo a computed tomography directly after the initial examination. Internal hernia diagnosis is often delicate and requires surgical exploration since bowel strangulation can lead to dramatic outcomes. The operation can be safely done laparoscopically, and all internal hernia defects should be repaired with non-absorbable sutures.

Sclerosing Encapsulating Peritonitis Mimicking an Internal Hernia: A Case Report

Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) is a rare entity that could lead to abdominal obstruction; however, despite being reported in several case series, its underlying pathophysiology is still unclear. A large proportion of SEP cases are diagnosed incidentally or after surgical exploration, which poses a great challenge to pre-operative diagnosis. We hereby report a case of a 33-year-old male patient who presented with cachexia and a clinical picture of complete small bowel obstruction. CT scan of the abdomen raised suspicion of an internal hernia, prompting explorative surgical evaluation. Laparoscopy showed encasement of the small bowel loops in a thick fibrocollagenous membrane characteristic of SEP. Laparotomy with adhesiolysis and membrane excision successfully led to the resolution of obstruction. Retrospective interpretation of the initial CT scan confirmed the presence of SEP’s characteristic radiological signs and provided an insight into how it contrasts with an internal hernia. This case provides an opportunity to highlight the differences between the two clinical entities and the pre-operative diagnostic strategies.

A Twisted Cecum: Herniation and Volvulus of the Cecum Through the Epiploic Foramen

Herniation of the cecum, terminal ileum, and ascending colon through the epiploic foramen is an uncommon presentation of an internal hernia. An 82-year-old female presented with a small bowel obstruction; Computed Tomography (CT) imaging showed a herniation of the terminal ileum, cecum, and ascending colon through the foramen of Winslow into the lesser sac, with cecal volvulus. Prompt surgical treatment included laparotomy and reduction of the hernia, followed by an extended right hemicolectomy with primary anastomosis and functional closure of the epiploic foramen. This report reviews the natural history and management of this rare pathology.

Abdominal Pain in the Emergency Department: How to Select the Correct Imaging for Diagnosis

Abdominal pain is a common presenting complaint in the emergency department, and utilization of diagnostic imaging is often a key tool in determining its etiology. Plain radiography has limited utility in this population. Computed tomography (CT) is the imaging modality of choice for undifferentiated abdominal pain. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging may be helpful in specific scenarios, primarily in pediatrics and pregnancy, and offer the benefit of eliminating ionizing radiation risk of CT. Guidance for imaging selection is determined by location of pain, special patient considerations, and specific suspected etiologies. Expert guidance is offered by the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria^® which outlines imaging options based on location of pain.

Left Paraduodenal Hernia in a Young Patient with Recurrent Abdominal Pain: A Case Report and Short Literature Review

BACKGROUND Internal hernias are a rare cause of small bowel obstruction in patients, which usually have a long history of mild abdominal symptoms, sometimes leading to emergency surgery due to acute abdominal pain. Occasionally, it takes a long time to make the correct diagnosis because of symptoms vagueness and transience of typical imaging findings; at times, a definitive diagnosis is possible only through surgery, especially in cases of acute presentations in a low-resource setting where high-performance diagnostic equipment may be unavailable. CASE REPORT We report the case of a young male patient with a long history of mild abdominal symptoms and some episodes of acute abdominal pain. Following one of these episodes, several diagnostic examinations were performed and he was diagnosed with left paraduodenal hernia after typical signs were found on imaging exams, both CT and MRI; the patient underwent laparotomy with reduction of intestinal loops in the peritoneal cavity and suturing of the sac and was eventually discharged with no further symptoms whatsoever. CONCLUSIONS Among internal hernias, left paraduodenal hernias account for the major part and are characterized by the protrusion of bowel loops through the fossa of Landzert; herniated loops produce a sac-like appearance (typical imaging sign on both CT and MRI) and may cause partial displacement of other organs and blood vessels. Internal hernias should always be considered as a rare differential diagnosis in the workup of a patient with abdominal pain or intestinal obstruction: knowledge of both typical imaging features and specific surgical techniques are mandatory so that these patients may be properly cared for.

The Role of Magnetic Resonance Enterography in Crohn’s Disease: A Review of Recent Literature

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the term used to identify a form of chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that primarily contemplates two major entities: ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). The classic signs are abdominal pain and diarrhoea that correlate with the localization of gastro-enteric disease, although in this pathology extraintestinal symptoms may coexist. The diagnosis of CD relies on a synergistic combination of clinical, laboratory (stool and biochemical), cross-sectional imaging evaluation, as well as endoscopic and histologic assessments. The purpose of this paper is to prove the role of imaging in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with CD with particular focus on recent innovations of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) as a pivotal diagnostic tool, analysing the MRE study protocol and imaging features during the various phases of disease activity and its complications.

Bowel Obstruction Caused by Broad Ligament Hernia Successfully Repaired by Laparoscopy in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report

The most common causes of small bowel obstruction (SBO) are adhesions, Crohn’s disease, neoplasms, and hernias. Internal hernias are rare, and they occur when the small bowel herniates through a defect in the abdominal cavity. The occurrence of internal hernias due to a broad ligament defect is very rare and accounts for 4%-7% of cases of internal hernia.

We present a case of a 71-year-old female who was previously healthy with no significant past medical or surgical history and who presented with symptoms of small bowel obstruction. Imaging with X-ray and computed tomography (CT) confirmed the diagnosis, but not the etiology. A decision was made to perform a laparoscopy to manage the obstruction, which revealed a healthy small bowel loop that herniated through a defect in the right broad ligament.

Acute abdominal pain due to intestinal obstruction is a relatively common surgical emergency. Internal hernias are the consequence of the herniation of a bowel loop, most commonly the small bowel, through a peritoneal or mesenteric defect into a compartment in the abdominal and pelvic cavity, and they have a high mortality rate than can be higher than 50%. CT imaging is very useful in the diagnosis of internal hernias, although it may not always reveal the etiology. To facilitate wider recognition, broad ligament hernia should be in the differential diagnosis of internal hernias evident in the pelvis on CT imaging.

Early recognition of small bowel obstruction caused by broad ligament internal hernia allows for prompt surgical management and vastly facilitates postoperative recovery. Although most surgeons opt for a laparotomy approach to manage such cases, a laparoscopic approach is feasible.

Small bowel obstruction due to internal herniation through a defect in the falciform ligament: a rare case report and review of the literature

Background

The falciform ligament hernia is a type of internal herniation, caused by a defect in the falciform ligament of the liver. The etiology for this defect may be congenital or iatrogenic, created after the laparoscopic intervention.

Case presentation

A 45-year-old male was presented to our hospital, complaining of abdominal pain for 2 days. The physical examination revealed diffuse abdominal tenderness and guarding. The abdominal X-ray was suggestive of intestinal obstruction. On abdominal CT images, dilated proximal ileal loops between the left hepatic lobe and anterior abdominal wall, forming a closed-loop with mesenteric edema and fat stranding, were observed. There were findings of ileus in the jejunal loops proximal to this segment, but the ileal loops and the colon were completely collapsed, consistent with small bowel obstruction due to internal herniation through a defect in the falciform ligament. The patient underwent surgical intervention, reduction of the herniated bowel loops, and repairing the hernia defect. He had an uneventful recovery with a favorable outcome.

Conclusion

Herniation through a defect in the falciform ligament is extremely rare but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen. The clinical manifestations of falciform ligament hernia are nonspecific and may underestimate the diagnosis, leading to a delayed treatment that affects the management outcome. Computed tomography plays an important role in the timely diagnosis and planning of surgical intervention, precluding intestinal strangulation.

Congenital Internal Hernia: Rare Cause of Acute Abdominal Pain

Acute abdominal pain is a common presenting symptom that possesses a wide differential. Congenital internal hernias are a rare condition that often presents with abdominal pain and can lead to obstruction. Early diagnosis is often difficult and therefore can present acutely and in an emergent setting. Prompt recognition of symptoms and evaluation are important to prevent poor prognosis. We are presenting a case of a congenital internal hernia in a patient presenting with nonspecific symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and subsequent surgical intervention allowed for appropriate management and resolution of symptoms.

Transmesenteric Internal Abdominal Hernia: Multi-detector row computed tomography findings

NONE

Congenital Dual Internal Hernias Causing Small Bowel Obstruction in a Man with no Prior Surgical History: A Report of a Very Rare Case

Patient: Male, 51-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Congenial dual internal hernia with small bowel obstruction

Symptoms: Abdominal pain • vomiting • constipation

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Surgery

A Fatal Case of Strangulated Pericecal Hernia

Pericecal hernia, a subtype of internal hernia, is a rare and unusual cause of small-bowel obstruction (SBO). We report the case of a pericecal hernia in an 80-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with symptoms of SBO. She experienced colicky diffuse abdominal pain associated with vomiting and obstipation for over five days. Abdominal examination showed rebound tenderness in the right iliac fossa without any mass palpation. Computed tomography noted a "sac-like" structure in the right iliac fossa with dilated and ischemic small-bowel loops within. Exploratory laparotomy showed strangulated pericecal hernia and non-viable small bowel loops in the inferior ileocecal recess. Extensive resection and defect repair followed by small-bowel end-to-end primary anastomosis was made. After two days of ICU admission, patient died from septic shock. This case report highlights the need for prompt diagnosis, followed by surgical intervention to lower mortality of SBO of internal hernia origin, especially in cases where no previous surgery is noted.

A strangulated internal hernia beneath the left external iliac artery after radical hysterectomy with laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy: a case report and literature review

Background

Ileum obstruction due to internal hernia beneath external iliac artery after pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is extremely rare. We reported a case of acute strangulated internal hernia between the left external iliac artery and psoas major as late complication of laparoscopic hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old woman, who with histories of laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and PLND 9 years ago for the cervical malignant tumor, open appendectomy 18 years ago, visited our hospital complaining of aggravated left lower abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting from few hours ago. Left abdomen distention, tympanitic with rebound tenderness and muscular tension was detected during physical examinations. Accompanying with elevated inflammatory markers and mild intestinal dilatation showed in lab results and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) respectively. After carefully reading the CT images, a small bowel was found between the left external iliac artery (EIA) and the psoas major, combined with the patient's surgical history, we suspected it might be internal hernia. Eventually, the emergency laparoscopic laparotomy confirmed our conjecture, the gap between the iliac vessels and the psoas major was closed with an absorbable suture, the patient was discharged on the fourth postoperative day.

Conclusion

Primary closure of peritoneal fissue maybe an effective measure to potentially prevent internal hernia. The choice of surgical approach for pelvic tumors still needs further exploration but faster diagnosis and immediate laparotomy might promise a better prognosis.

Internal hernia caused by the appendix adhering to the right ovary: a case report

Internal hernias are a rare condition and sometimes life-threatening, and they need an emergency exploratory laparotomy. Appendicectomy for chronic appendicitis is controversial. Without timely treatment, chronic appendicitis may develop into a ruptured appendix and an infection that spreads to other parts of the body, and other serious complications. Here we report the case of 48-year-old female who had intestinal ischemia secondary to internal hernia caused by the appendix adhering to the right ovary. Her medical history indicated a chronic, right lower abdominal pain for three years.

Strangulated internal hernia due to defect in broad ligament: a case report

Small bowel obstruction is a relatively common disease process accounting for up to 16 percent of surgical admissions and more than 300,000 operations annually in the United States. Approximately 5–8 percent of small bowel obstructions can be attributed to internal hernias. A slightly lower percentage, roughly 4–7 percent, of these internal hernias are noted to originate from a defect in the broad ligament of the uterus. A majority of broad ligaments defects causing a small bowel obstruction are not diagnosed preoperatively due to the equivocal imaging findings as well as the infrequency of this etiology. To date, there are very few case reports describing this disease process. This case report describes a 70-year-old female who was found to have a defect in her broad ligament causing a small bowel obstruction leading to subsequent strangulated bowel.

Right Paraduodenal Hernia: A Rare Cause of Small Bowel Strangulation

Internal hernias are a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. Among the internal hernias, left paraduodenal hernia is the most typical type followed by the right paraduodenal hernia. It is impossible to make a clinical diagnosis of internal hernia, as there are no specific symptoms or physical signs. A high degree of suspicion is required, and an accurate diagnosis can be made using cross-sectional imaging of the abdomen like a Computed Tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. In this case report, we present our experience in managing a patient who had a right paraduodenal hernia with small bowel strangulation. We present this case report to highlight the importance of considering internal hernias like right paraduodenal hernia in the differential diagnosis of intestinal obstruction.

Closure of Petersen's defect in gastrectomy for gastric cancer: an interrupted time series analysis from a high-volume institution in China

PURPOSE

Petersen's hernia (PH) is a serious complication after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate whether closure of Petersen's defect (PD) can decrease the rates of PH and suspected Petersen's hernia (SPH).

METHODS

Patients who underwent gastrectomy with PD were enrolled. From January 2014 to January 2017, we performed gastrectomy without PD closure (non-closure group). From February 2017 to June 2018, we closed PDs during gastrectomy (closure group). The rates of PH and SPH were compared between the two groups. The last follow-up was updated in August 2020.

RESULTS

Among a total of 1213 patients, 12 patients (1.0%) developed PH, and 23 patients (1.9%) developed SPH. The rate of PH in the closure group was significantly lower than that in the non-closure group (1/385, 0.3% versus 11/828, 1.3%, p = 0.042, log-rank test). The rate of SPH in the closure group was significantly lower than that in the non-closure group (1/385, 0.3% versus 22/828, 2.7%, p = 0.008, log-rank test). Non-closure of PD was a risk factor for PH and SPH (odds ratio (OR) 7.72, 95% CI 1.84-32.35, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

PD closure is recommended after gastrectomy for gastric cancer, as the rates of PH and SPH were significantly decreased.

Ultrasound diagnosis of acute appendicitis complicating De Garengeot's hernia

De Garengeot's hernia is a rare condition defined by the herniation of the vermiform appendix within a femoral hernia sac. We report a case of an 80-year-old woman admitted to our emergency department complaining of pain in the right groin. This symptomatology, present for 2 days, increased in the following 12 h. Ultrasonography (US) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) were performed, which showed the herniation of the vermiform appendix in the femoral hernia sac. Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) and CECT were the fundamental imaging investigations for this diagnosis. The management of De Garengeot's hernia is surgical through herniorrhaphy, which makes it possible to repair the femoral hernia and perform an appendicectomy in case of appendicitis.

Internal double omental hernia: a rare cause of acute abdomen

Small bowel obstruction is one of the most common causes for acute abdominal pain leading to surgical admissions, occurring most frequently due to postoperative adhesions. Although less common, internal hernia is also a possible etiology, in which a delay on its therapy may lead to a not so dismal morbidity and mortality. Here, we report the case of a 24 year old Caucasian man that was admitted in our emergency department with an inaugural episode of sudden-onset epigastric pain associated with vomiting. After observation and diagnostic workup, the patient underwent urgent laparotomy that revealed an ischemic small bowel due to a double omental hernia, being successfully treated without enteric resection.

An Unusual Cause of Intestinal Obstruction: Internal Supravesical Hernia

Teaching Point: The typical CT finding of internal supravesical hernia is a herniated and dilated bowel loop beneath a compressed urinary bladder.

An extremely rare case of lesser omental hernia in an elderly female patient following total colectomy

Background

An intro-abdominal hernia through the lesser omentum is a rare but severe condition that can cause intestinal obstruction and other life-threating complications. Until now, only a handful of cases have been reported worldwide. The diagnosis of lesser omental hernia remains challenging for emergency surgeons because of the unspecific symptoms. Therefore, there is a need for a better understanding of the characteristics of this condition.

Case presentation

In this report, we described the case of a 73-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with a lesser omental hernia caused by previous total colectomy. The patient underwent emergency surgery, and the intraoperative findings revealed a 200-cm segment of the small intestine was herniated through a defected lesser omentum (approximately 3 × 4 cm) from the lesser retrogastric curvature of the stomach. Besides, we summarize the specific abdominal computed tomography (CT) findings of lesser omental hernia by reviewing the literature.

Conclusion

The lesser omental hernia is extremely rare but can cause serious complications. The cause of lesser omental hernia can be congenital or acquired. Careful examination of the small omentum before the closure of the abdomen is expected to reduce the occurrence of these abdominal surgery-associated complications. The specific features of abdominal CT in cases of lesser omental hernia, which are summarized in this article, can help other clinicians to obtain accurate diagnoses of lesser omentum hernia in the future.