Ileal stricture following strangulated inguinal hernia

Abstract

Small intestinal stenosis due to ischaemia following strangulated hernia is uncommon as patients with external hernias have ready access to elective herniorrhaphy. Small intestinal stenosis secondary to ischaemia may lead to acute small bowel obstruction, acute-on-chronic obstruction or chronic small bowel obstruction. It may also give rise to the blind loop syndrome. Preoperative diagnosis of this condition is difficult. We report four cases of small intestinal stenosis who presented to one surgical unit at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital with acute intestinal obstruction over a period of 15 months.