A unique case of small bowel obstruction secondary to internal herniation due to a torted fallopian tube adherent to the sigmoid colon

Abstract

Introduction: Internal herniation is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO). An even less common in females, internal herniation can be secondary to abnormalities of the female reproductive organs in the pelvis. Case Report: A 76-year-old female patient presented with acute SBO which did not improve with initial conservative management. The patient was taken to the operating theatre for a laparoscopy revealing that the SBO was caused secondary to an internal herniation through a defect formed by a torted necrotic left fallopian tube adherent to the adjacent sigmoid colon. The patient was successfully treated with a laparoscopic left salingo-oophorectomy. Conclusion: Our case describes an unusual mechanism of internal herniation causing SBO in females. This case highlights the importance of considering a broad list of differential diagnoses in causes of SBO, as well as the importance of timely surgical intervention when indicated.