A rare cause of small intestinal obstruction: Spontaneous strangulated trans-omental hernia

Abstract

Internal herniation is a very rare condition which can cause small bowel obstruction. Trans-omental hernias are an infrequent form of internal herniation and can be seen without a history of trauma and previous abdominal surgery. An 85-year-old male patient without a history of abdominal surgery or trauma was admitted to the emergency service with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Physical examination and laboratory tests revealed a diagnosis of ileus. During laparotomy, a trans-omental hernia causing strangulation of the ileum was detected. Resection-anastomosis was performed and the omental defect was disrupted by partial omentectomy. Although trans-omental hernia is a very rare condition, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients without mechanic intestinal obstruction.