Congenital internal hernias: Rare cause of intestinal obstruction in newborns

Abstract

Intestinal obstruction in newborns can be life threatening. Congenital internal hernias comprise a very rare cause of the blockage and are thought to arise from a defect in the formation of the mesentery of the small intestine. We describe two cases of neonatal internal hernias and review the current literature. Both infants had clinical signs of obstruction shortly after birth, but the cause of the obstruction was not found until surgical intervention took place. Intestinal necrosis due to segmental twisting of the intestine through a mesenteric defect was found requiring resection and temporary enterostomies. At outpatient follow-up, both children are doing well with normal intestinal function. Our two cases along with the current literature review, illustrate the rare nature of this condition, but one that should be considered in any neonate presenting with intestinal obstruction.