Diagnosis Of Internal Hernia Research Articles

Cases with Recurrent Hospitalization due to Unexplained Ileus: Paraduodenal Hernia

Internal hernia is one of the rare causes of surgical pathologies in the abdomen.Paraduodenal hernia (PDH) is the most frequent subtype of internal hernia. There are no specific clinical and laboratory findings for diagnosis. This situation may cause delays in diagnosis and adverse clinical outcomes in patients. Computed Tomography (CT) is an imaging method that can help in the diagnosis of internal hernia. A case report of our two patients who were followed up in the clinic, who had been hospitalized with similar complaints in the past and operated for paraduodenal hernia (PDH) has been prepared. Internal herniation is one of the pre-diagnoses that should be kept in mind, especially in the history of unexplained and recurrent hospitalization in patients with abdominal pain and signs of intestinal obstruction. Observation of hernia sac on CT and observing small intestinal loops trapped in it are the only objective findings that can help us in the diagnosis of internal herniation.

Diagnostic accuracy of a fast MRI T2-sequence for the diagnosis of internal herniation after Roux-and-Y gastric bypass during pregnancy: A retrospective single center study

PurposeThe objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a fast sequence Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) sequence, T2- half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo (HASTE) for the diagnosis of internal herniation (IH) in pregnant patients with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). MethodsAbdominal MRI studies, performed for the clinical suspicion of IH of pregnant patients with a history of RYGB, were analyzed by two abdominal radiologists. Thirty-one cases were included and for each case both readers independently evaluated the T2 HASTE sequence in different planes (axial, coronal and sagittal) to determine the presence or absence of IH. Diagnostic performance of T2 HASTE MRI was evaluated by calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy compared to the clinical diagnosis of IH as the gold standard. IH was diagnosed as the presence of herniated bowel through the mesenteric defect at the time of surgical exploration. IH was deemed absent if the surgical exploration showed no herniated bowel or if patients had no subsequent clinical symptoms of IH after 90 days of clinical follow-up. ResultsThe results in this study, with 16 patients with IH and 15 patients without IH, portray a high accuracy for the detection of IH, ranging from 87.9% to 90.3%. This fast T2 sequence shows a high NPV (86.7% - 100.0% 87.7), sensitivity (88.9% - 100.0%) and specificity (80.0% - 86.7%). This study also portrayed a substantial interobserver agreement (0.741) for the evaluation of IH. ConclusionT2 HASTE MRI shows an excellent sensitivity and NPV for the detection of IH in pregnant patients. The fast acquisition time makes this sequence useful in the emergency setting, and it can be used for the diagnosis or exclusion of IH in pregnant patients.

Bowel Obstruction Caused by Broad Ligament Hernia Successfully Repaired by Laparoscopy in an Elderly Patient: A Case Report

The most common causes of small bowel obstruction (SBO) are adhesions, Crohn’s disease, neoplasms, and hernias. Internal hernias are rare, and they occur when the small bowel herniates through a defect in the abdominal cavity. The occurrence of internal hernias due to a broad ligament defect is very rare and accounts for 4%-7% of cases of internal hernia.We present a case of a 71-year-old female who was previously healthy with no significant past medical or surgical history and who presented with symptoms of small bowel obstruction. Imaging with X-ray and computed tomography (CT) confirmed the diagnosis, but not the etiology. A decision was made to perform a laparoscopy to manage the obstruction, which revealed a healthy small bowel loop that herniated through a defect in the right broad ligament.Acute abdominal pain due to intestinal obstruction is a relatively common surgical emergency. Internal hernias are the consequence of the herniation of a bowel loop, most commonly the small bowel, through a peritoneal or mesenteric defect into a compartment in the abdominal and pelvic cavity, and they have a high mortality rate than can be higher than 50%. CT imaging is very useful in the diagnosis of internal hernias, although it may not always reveal the etiology. To facilitate wider recognition, broad ligament hernia should be in the differential diagnosis of internal hernias evident in the pelvis on CT imaging.Early recognition of small bowel obstruction caused by broad ligament internal hernia allows for prompt surgical management and vastly facilitates postoperative recovery. Although most surgeons opt for a laparotomy approach to manage such cases, a laparoscopic approach is feasible.

A Rare Case Report of Idiopathic Abdominal Cocoon Presenting as Acute Intestinal Obstruction-Management Challenges

The idiopathic variant of sclerosing Intraperitoneal fibrosis is a rare pathological entity causing intestinal obstruction. Even though it is described since the beginning of the last century, we are still clueless about the aetiology of this problem. The presentation is often confusing and the clinical and laboratory values will be not confirmatory to establish a diagnosis. A Contrast-enhanced CT scan is a vital investigation of choice. Here we discuss a case of intestinal obstruction with a preop diagnosis of internal herniation, which turned out to be a case of massive intraperitoneal fibrosis. The histopathology was not significant, and no secondary cause was identified. The case report throws wisdom into the existence of this entity and how with a CT scan we can suspect it before surgery. With adequate and meticulous enterolysis we can surgically rehabilitate these patients so that they can lead a normal life.

The Diagnostic Accuracy of Abdominal Computed Tomography in Diagnosing Internal Herniation Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To analyze the diagnostic accuracy of abdominal computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing internal herniation (IH) following Rouxen-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. IH is one of the most important and challenging complications following RYGB. Therefore, early and adequate diagnosis of IH is necessary. Currently, exploratory surgery is considered the gold standard in diagnosing IH. Although CT scans are frequently being used, the true diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing IH remains unclear. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for relevant articles describing the diagnostic accuracy of abdominal CT in diagnosing IH after RYGB. Data were extracted, recalculated, and pooled to report on the overall diagnostic accuracy of CT in diagnosing IH, and the diagnostic accuracy of specific radiological signs. A total of 20 studies describing 1637 patients were included. seventeen studies provided data regarding the overall diagnostic accuracy: pooled sensitivity of 82.0%, specificity of 84.8%, positive predictive value of 82.7%, and negative predictive value of 85.8% were calculated. Eleven studies reported on specific CT signs and their diagnostic accuracy. The radiological signs with the highest sensitivity were the signs of venous congestion, swirl, and mesenteric oedema (sensitivity of 78.7%, 77.8%, and 67.2%, respectively). This meta-analysis demonstrates that CT is a reliable imaging modality for the detection of IH. Therefore, abdominal CT imaging should be added to the diagnostic work-up for RYGB patients who present themselves with abdominal pain suggestive of IH to improve patient selection for explorative surgery.

The role of citrulline, intestinal fatty acid-binding protein, and D-dimer as potential biomarkers in the diagnosis of internal herniation after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Diagnosing internal herniation (IH) in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients with acute abdominal pain poses a diagnostic challenge. Diagnostic laparoscopy is often required for a definitive diagnosis. We hypothesized that intestinal ischemia biomarkers would aid in the diagnosing of IH. To explore intestinal ischemia biomarkers in diagnosing IH. University Hospital, Sweden. Prospective inclusion of 46 RYGB patients admitted for acute abdominal pain between June 2015 and December 2017. Blood samples for analysis of citrulline, intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), and D-dimer were drawn <72 hours from admission and compared between patients with IH (n = 8), small bowel obstruction (SBO) (n = 5), other specified diagnoses (n = 12), or unspecified abdominal pain (n = 21). Levels of white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and lactate at admission were compared. A prospective pain questionnaire for time of pain onset and level of pain at onset and at admission was analyzed. None of the investigated biomarkers differed significantly between diagnosis categories. Most patients with IH had normal CRP, WBC, and D-dimer levels while their lactate levels were significantly lower (P = .029) compared with the rest of the cohort. Neither pain level nor pain duration differed between the groups. This study shows that citrulline, I-FABP, and D-dimer cannot be used to diagnose IH and indicates that CRP, D-dimer, and lactate are rarely elevated by an IH. Furthermore, pain intensity and duration cannot differentiate patients with IH. A diagnostic laparoscopy remains the gold standard to diagnose and rule out an IH.

Chylous ascites in the setting of internal hernia: a reassuring sign.

Chylous ascites is often reported in cases with lymphatic obstruction or after lymphatic injuries such as intraabdominal malignancies or lymphadenectomies. However, chylous ascites is also frequently encountered in operations for internal hernias. We sought to characterize the frequency and conditions when chylous ascites is encountered in general surgery patients. Data from patients who underwent operations for CPT codes related to open and laparoscopic abdominal and gastrointestinal surgery in our tertiary hospital from 2010 to 2019 were reviewed. Patients with the postoperative diagnosis of internal hernia were identified and categorized into three groups: Internal Hernia with chylous ascites, non-chylous ascites, and no ascites. Demographics, prior surgical history, CT findings, source of internal hernia, open or laparoscopic surgery, and preoperative labs were recorded and compared. Fifty-six patients were found to have internal hernias and were included in our study. 80.3% were female and 86% had a previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure (RYGBP). Laparoscopy was the main approach for all groups. Ascites was present in 46% of the cases. Specifically, chylous ascites was observed in 27% of the total operations and was exclusively (100%) found in patients with gastric-bypass history. Furthermore, it was more commonly associated with Petersen's defect (p < 0.001), while the non-chylous fluid group was associated with herniation through the mesenteric defect (p < 0.001). Chylous ascites is a common finding during internal hernia operations. Unlike other more morbid conditions, identification of chylous ascites during an internal hernia operation appears innocuous. However, in the context of a patient with a history of RYGBP, the presence of chylous fluid signifies the associated small bowel obstruction is likely related to an internal hernia through a patent Petersen's defect.

Intramesenteric internal hernia with midgut volvulus: a rare case causing small bowel gangrene in an adult

Intramesenteric internal hernia is a rare type of small bowel mesentery related internal hernia which usually occur in pediatric population. It is characterized by herniation of small bowel loops through a congenital or acquired defect in one layer of the mesentery producing a mesenteric pouch type hernia. The defect usually occurs near the ileocaecal valve or ligament of treitz and the herniated bowel loops are prone to strangulation or volvulus, presenting as small bowel obstruction that warrants early recognition and emergency laparotomy to confirm the diagnosis and prevent bowel gangrene and its complication. We present a case of 59 year old male presenting with features of an acute intestinal obstruction since morning and a vague firm mass in the right upper quadrant which was confirmed by CT scan to be an internal hernia and patient was taken up for emergency laparotomy. Intraoperative findings revealed a sac of small bowel loops herniating into the mesentery through a defect near the terminal ileum. Upon reducing the contents a volvulus was evident and resulted in the gangrene of the small bowel loops. The gangrenous bowel was resected and a single layered end to end ileo-ileal anastamosis was done. The diagnosis of internal hernia in a adult with no previous history of abdominal surgery or trauma is a very rare entity and requires a high degree of suspicion and close monitoring of the patient to ensure early surgical intervention and optimal outcome.

Development and Validation of a Predictive Model for Internal Hernia After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in a Multicentric Retrospective Cohort: The Swirl, Weight Excess Loss, Liquid Score.

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a prediction score for internal hernia (IH) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The clinical diagnosis of IH is challenging. A sensitivity of 63% to 92% was reported for computed tomography (CT). Consecutive patients admitted for abdominal pain after RYGB and undergoing CT and surgical exploration were included retrospectively. Potential clinical predictors and radiological signs of IH were entered in binary logistic regression analysis to determine a predictive score of surgically confirmed IH in the Geneva training set (January 2006-December 2014), and validated in 3 centers, Geneva (January 2015-December 2017) and Neuchâtel and Strasbourg (January 2012-December 2017). Two hundred twenty-eight patients were included, 80 of whom (35.5%) had surgically confirmed IH, 38 (16.6%) had a negative laparoscopy, and 110 (48.2%) had an alternate diagnosis. In the training set of 61 patients, excess body weight loss >95% (odds ratio [OR] 6.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-39.96), swirl sign (OR 8.93, 95% CI: 2.30-34.70), and free liquid (OR 4.53, 95% CI: 1.08-19.0) were independent predictors of IH. Area under the curve (AUC) of the score was 0.799. In the validation set of 167 patients, AUC was 0.846. A score ≥2 was associated with an IH incidence of 60.7% (34/56), and 5.3% (3/56) had a negative laparoscopy. The score could be incorporated in the clinical setting. To reduce the risk of delayed IH diagnosis, emergency explorative laparoscopy in patients with a score ≥ 2 should be considered.

Biliopancreatic Limb Obstruction Due to an Unexpected Variant of Internal Hernia After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

Small bowel obstruction due to internal hernia (IH) is a well-known late complication of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). A reliable and immediate diagnosis of IH is important for optimal and timely management of patients with a history of LRYGB. Mesenteric defects that are created during a LRYGB include the following: (1) through the transverse mesocolon defect, (2) through the entero-enterostomy mesenteric defect, and (3) through the space between the mesentery of Roux limb and transverse mesocolon (Petersen's space). The aim of this case is to present an unusual variant of IH after LRYGB that was laparoscopically explored and treated.

Internal Herniation and Weight Loss in Patients after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

Weight loss is one of the desired outcomes after a gastric bypass, in order to reduce co-morbidity, and even mortality. However, weight loss might contribute to a serious complication: internal herniation (IH). Pre-operative diagnosis of IH is demanding. This study was conducted to investigate if percentage total weight loss (%TWL) is clinically usable in recognizing patients with IH. Patients who had undergone a gastric bypass between 2011 and 2014 were included retrospectively if a CT scan or reoperation was performed for suspected IH between 2011 and 2016. Differences in %TWL were calculated in patients with IH and without (NO-IH). A sub analysis was done in patients with complaints. A multivariate analysis to identify risk factors for IH was performed. Out of 1007 patients, 31 patients were diagnosed with an IH (3.1%) after a median time of 16.5months (range 6.5-46.1). The %TWL was higher in patients with an IH (34.2% ± 12.7) vs. NO-IH (30.8% ± 9.6). This result was also seen in patients presenting with symptoms (IH 34.2% ± 12.7 vs. NO-IH 27.0% ± 14.8). If %TWL is above 30%, IH is significantly more diagnosed in patients presenting with symptoms. A multivariate logistic model for IH in patients presenting with symptoms identified both ≥ 30%TWL (adjusted OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.1-8.8, p =0.036) and abdominal cramping (adjusted OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.2-8.5, p =0.0021) as risk factors. Our study showed significant more %TWL in patients with an IH. Both ≥ 30%TWL and cramping abdominal pain result in a threefold higher risk of presence of IH.

Application of CT imaging in diagnosis of internal hernia

Internal hernia is the protrusions of the viscera through the peritoneum or mesentery in the abdominal cavity. It lacks specific clinical symptoms and has a poor prognosis. According to the anatomical classification, the intra-abdominal hernia can be divided into Duodenal paralysis, Winslow hernia, mesenteric hernia and mesenteric hiatal hernia. Among various imaging methods, multi-slice spiral CT has a higher value for preoperative diagnosis of internal hernia. This article will focus on the imaging features of several intra-abdominal hernias under multi-slice spiral CT, and summarize the general diagnostic strategies of internal hernia. Key words: Hernia, abdominal; Tomography, spiral computed; Diagnosis

Adhesive and non-adhesive internal hernia: clinical relevance and multi-detector CT images

Internal hernia (IH)-related surgical acute abdomen is not well understood because of the rarity of cases and underdiagnosis. This study was performed to further understand the clinicopathological features and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) findings of IH in cases confirmed by surgery. In all, 51 patients with a definite diagnosis of IH confirmed during surgical exploration from Feb. 2012 to Feb. 2018 in our hospital were included in this research. Medical records, including MDCT images and intra-operative findings, were collected retrospectively. In all, 39 and 12 cases were categorized as adhesive IH (76.5%) and non-adhesive IH (23.5%), respectively. Among the patients with adhesive IH, 73% had a history of abdominal or pelvic surgery. Additionally, the mesentery was the most common component of adhesive bands (64.1%). Congenital peritoneal abnormalities and gastrointestinal reconstruction were the main causes of non-adhesive IH.As a specific sign, the fat notch sign was much more common in adhesive IH than in non-adhesive IH (P = 0.023). Bowel wall thickening (P = 0.041), abnormal bowel wall enhancement (P = 0.006) and twisted bowels with the vessel swirl sign (P = 0.004) were indicators of bowel necrosis. Among all of the cases of IH, 34 (66.7%) were complicated by bowel necrosis, and 1 patient died. In conclusion, non-adhesive IH has different clinicopathological features and MDCT findings from those of adhesive IH. MDCT is a useful tool with high sensitivity for confirming IH and may help to guide the early treatment of IH.

INTERNAL HERNIA FOLLOWING LAPAROSCOPIC ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BY-PASS: INDICATIVE FACTORS FOR EARLY REPAIR.

Internal hernia (IH) following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) is a major complication that challenges the surgeon due to its non-specific presentation and necessity of early repair. Delayed diagnosis and surgical intervention of IH might lead to increased morbidity of patients and impairments in their quality of life. To evaluate the predictive factors for early diagnosis and surgical repair of IH after LRYGB. This study analyzed 38 patients during the postoperative period of LRYGB who presented clinical manifestations suggestive of IH after an average of 24 months following the bariatric procedure. The sample consisted of 10 men and 28 women, with a mean age of 37.5 years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 39.6 kg/m2 before LRYGB. All patients presented pain, 23 presented abdominal distension, 10 had nausea and 12 were vomiting; three of them had dysphagia, three had diarrhea and one had gastro-esophageal reflux. The patients presented symptoms for an average of 15 days, varying from 3 to 50 days. Seventeen (45.9%) patients were seen once, while the other 20 (54.1%) went to the emergency room twice or more times. Exploratory laparoscopy was performed on all patients, being converted to laparotomy in three cases. Petersen hernia was confirmed in 22 (57.9%). Petersen space was closed in all patients and the IH correction was performed in 20 (52.6%) cases. The herniated loop showed signs of vascular suffering in seven patients, and two (5.3%) had irreversible ischemia, requiring bowel resection. The presence of recurrent abdominal pain is one of the main indicators for the diagnosis of IH after LRYGB. Patients operated at an early stage, even with negative imaging tests for this disease, benefited from rapid and simple procedures without major complications.

Diagnostic Accuracy of MRI for Diagnosis of Internal Hernia in Pregnant Women With Prior Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of MRI for the diagnosis of internal hernia (IH) in pregnant women who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Fifteen consecutively registered pregnant women (eight with surgically proven IH, seven without IH) who had previously undergone RYGB underwent MRI to rule out IH between July 2011 and July 2016. Two blinded radiologists retrospectively evaluated MRI examinations for the presence or absence of 13 established CT findings of IH. The final diagnosis of IH was evaluated subjectively and with two previously validated CT models (model 1, mesenteric swirl or small-bowel obstruction; model 2, beaking of the superior mesenteric vein or small-bowel obstruction). Diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and interobserver agreement were calculated for each feature, and the subjective and model-based diagnoses of IH were compared by chi-square test. There were no statistically significant differences in patient age (p = 0.68), gestational age (p = 0.35), or time since RYGB (p = 0.55) between patients with and those without IH. The findings with best DOR and interobserver agreement were beaking of the superior mesenteric vein (reader 1 DOR, 39; reader 2 DOR, 39; κ = 1.00), mesenteric swirl (reader 1 DOR, 11; reader 2 DOR, 39; κ = 0.86), engorgement of mesenteric vessels (reader 1 DOR, 24; reader 2 DOR, 15; κ = 0.84), and mesenteric edema (reader 1 DOR, 11; reader 2 DOR, 3; κ = 0.73). The other findings had either low accuracy, poor interobserver agreement, or both. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis of IH ranged from 75% to 88% and 86% to 100% for the two readers. There was no difference in diagnostic accuracy between the three methods (p = 0.93). MRI is useful in the diagnosis of IH in pregnant women who have undergone RYGB. The specificity is comparable to that of CT, and the sensitivity approaches that of CT.

The diagnostic performance and interrater agreement of seven CT findings in the diagnosis of internal hernia after gastric bypass operation

A reliable and immediate diagnosis of internal hernia is important for optimal and timely management of patients with a history of gastric bypass surgery. The aims of this study were to evaluate the interrater agreement and diagnostic performance characteristics of seven predefined CT findings of internal herniation in patients admitted on clinical suspicion of internal herniation after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Abdominal CT scans of 117 patients performed on clinical suspicion of internal hernia after LRYGB surgery were evaluated by three radiologists (two experts and one resident) for the following: (1) Swirl sign, (2) strangulation of superior mesenteric vein (SMV), (3) engorged mesenteric vessels and edema, (4) engorged lymph nodes, (5) ascites, (6) mushroom sign, (7) hurricane eye sign, and finally the overall conclusion. The CT findings were compared to the laparoscopic explorative findings. The highest interrater agreements were seen for the swirl sign, SMV strangulation, ascites, and overall conclusion (all Kappa 0.82-0.83). The presence of internal hernia was significantly and independently associated with SMV strangulation (OR 18.3; 95% CI 4.3-78.1; p < 0.001) and mesenteric edema (OR 5.2; 95% CI 1.4-19.6; p < 0.001) on multivariate analysis, while the other CT findings were not independently associated with herniation. The highest sensitivity was observed for mesenteric edema (85.0%), while SMV strangulation had the highest specificity (94.8%). CT is an accurate diagnostic tool for detection of internal hernia after LRYGB. SMV strangulation and mesenteric edema are highly predictive and easily identified features of internal herniation.

Diagnosing internal herniation after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: usefulness of systematically reviewing CT scans using ten signs.

To evaluate if systematically reviewing CT scans using ten signs leads to a better accuracy in diagnosing internal herniation (IH), compared to the original report. Also, the difference in accuracy was analysed between experience levels. Patients were retrospectively included if they had undergone laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery between 2011 and 2014, and if additional radiological examination was performed for suspected IH between 2011 and 2016. Out of 1475 patients who had undergone laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, 183 patients had one or more additional radiological examinations. A total of 245 CT scans were performed. All were reassessed by an abdominal radiologist, a radiology resident and intern. Assessment was done using ten signs from previous literature. Overall suspicion of IH was graded using a 5-point Likert scale. Accuracy was calculated using two-way contingency tables. Interobserver agreement was calculated using Fleiss' kappa. After 70 reoperations an IH was diagnosed in 48.6% (34/70). There was an increase in specificity for diagnosing IH with reoperation as reference from 52.8% (19/36; 95% CI 35.7-69.2%) in the original report to 86.1% (31/36; 95% CI 74.8-97.4%) for the radiologist (p = 0.002), 77.8% (28/36; 95% CI 64.2-91.4%) for the resident (p = 0.026) and 77.8% (28/36; 95% CI 64.2-91.4%) for the intern (p = 0.026). Interobserver agreement was good. Systematically reviewing CT scans using a list of ten CT signs can improve specificity and thereby reduce unnecessary reoperations, especially in a high pre-test probability population. The tool can be easily taught to less experienced readers. • Computed tomography is useful to diagnose internal herniation(IH) after gastric bypass surgery • Ten signs are described to improve CT diagnosis of IH • Systematically reviewing CT scans improves specificity • There is no difference in experience levels when using these ten signs.

Internal herniation through lesser omentum hiatus and gastrocolic ligament\xa0with malrotation: a case report

BackgroundInternal herniation through lesser omentum hiatus and gastrocolic ligament with malrotation is extremely rare. This type of internal hernia has rarely been described before. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult and prone to misdiagnosis.Case presentationA 38-year-old Chinese woman was an emergency admission to our hospital with a sudden onset of acute epigastralgia for the past 14 hours. We made a presumptive diagnosis of gastrointestinal perforation and septic shock. Due to the acute onset and rapid progress, she received timely surgical treatment. During operation, we observed that her small intestine herniated into the hepatogastric ligament and ligamentum gastrocolicum hiatus accompanied with intestinal malrotation that resulted in internal hernia. We found a diverticulum of approximately 3.0 × 6.0 cm sited at a distance of 80 cm from the ileocecal intestine. We resected the strangulated intestinal loop and the diverticulum, performed an appendicectomy, and closed the ligamentous fissure. Postoperation, she recovered smoothly, without any complications, and was discharged on day 6.ConclusionsA case of internal hernia formation is quite rare; accurate preoperative diagnosis and timely surgery are essential because it can cause strangulation of the ileus. However, the incidence of this internal herniation is low and preoperative diagnosis is difficult. An accurate preoperative diagnosis of internal hernia is still a challenge.

Adhesive internal hernia: multidetector CT findings and clinical relevance

To review the clinical and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) features of adhesive internal hernias (IHs) and to ascertain specific MDCT criteria to assist in the diagnosis of adhesive IHs and the early detection of intestinal strangulation. Medical records and preoperative abdominal MDCT findings of 34 patients with surgically confirmed abdominal adhesive IHs were analysed retrospectively. The specific MDCT features of adhesive IHs included the following: dislocating and clustering of intestinal segments (100%); stretching and crowding of the mesenteric vessels (100%); presence of hernial orifice (88.2%), peritoneal adhesive bands (76.5%); and the fat notch sign (85.3%). In addition, the significant MDCT features indicative of intestinal strangulation compared with those without intestinal strangulation were bowel wall thickening (p=0.009), intramural haemorrhage (p=0.007), and abnormal bowel wall enhancement (p=0.023). Furthermore, bowel obstruction occurred in 17 (50%) patients, and mesenteric whirl was apparent in 8 (23.5%) patients. This article illustrates the specific MDCT criteria of adhesive IHs. Knowledge of MDCT findings in adhesive IHs and their complications is essential for making the correct diagnosis and may help guide early clinical management.

Internal Hernia Masquerading As Necrotizing Enterocolitis

In extremely preterm infants, acute abdominal emergencies are fortunately less common with improving care. Spontaneous intestinal perforation and necrotizing enterocolitis are conditions where emergency surgery is most often needed. Conservative medical management and placement of temporary drain are often used in the initial management. Internal hernia (IH) is an uncommon cause of bowel obstruction in neonates, is difficult to diagnose and unfortunately are found only at autopsy. The presentation in preterm infants, distinction between these conditions, and the need for early diagnosis of IH are discussed.