Internal hernia traversing the lesser sac

Authors: Nikfarjam, Mehrdad; Christophi, Christopher

Source: Surgical Practice, Volume 7, Number 3, August 2003 , pp. 99-102(4)

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Abstract:

Congenital internal hernias are a rare cause of small bowel obstruction in adults and often present with complications. A high index of suspicion, occasionally aided by appropriate radiological imaging, may lead to early surgical intervention and reduce morbidity and mortality. A 25-year-old man presented with colicky abdominal pain and minimal signs on abdominal examination. Computed tomography showed features of a small bowel obstruction and prompted surgery. This revealed an internal hernia traversing the lesser sac through defects in both the gastrocolic ligament and lesser omentum. A gangrenous segment of small bowel incarcerated in the lesser omentum was resected and the patient made a full recovery. The published reports relating to lesser sac hernias are reviewed and features that may lead to early diagnosis identified.

Keywords: internal hernia; lesser sac hernia; small bowel obstruction

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1442-2034.2003.00175.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Hospital, Studley Road, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Publication date: 2003-08-01