Internal Hernia Research Articles

Imaging of the Inferior Mesenteric Vasculature.

The inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) supply and drain blood from the distal colon and rectum, respectively. Routinely imaged at cross-sectional imaging of the abdomen and pelvis, these vessels play a vital role in gastrointestinal tract health but may be neglected due to their diminutive caliber relative to other mesenteric vessels and potential lack of inclusion in routine search patterns. The authors describe and illustrate normal and abnormal appearances of the IMA and IMV and findings that are diagnostic of primary vascular abnormalities or can offer diagnostic clues. After the embryologic features, normal anatomy, and anatomic variants of the IMA and IMV are reviewed, various manifestations of IMA and IMV abnormalities, such as aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm, stenosis, occlusion, dissection, hemorrhage, arteriovenous malformations and fistulas, tumoral invasion, vasculitis, and perivascular lymphatic dilatation, are explored with use of case examples. The role of the IMA and IMV as collateral vasculature, including the clinical scenarios of superior mesenteric arterial occlusion, aortic endoleak, and portosystemic venous shunt, are discussed. Finally, diagnostic clues that the inferior mesenteric vessels and adjacent soft tissues can provide, including mesenteric venous gas, compression or displacement from bowel volvulus or internal hernias, lymphadenopathy, and venous flow artifacts, are highlighted. The authors provide a comprehensive reference for radiologists who evaluate the IMA and IMV on cross-sectional images and shine a spotlight on these neglected but important vessels. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Comparison Between Billroth II and Billroth II + Braun Anastomosis in Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

IntroductionDistal gastrectomy remains the predominant therapeutic approach for gastric cancer, with digestive tract reconstruction as an integral procedure. The implementation of Braun anastomosis following Billroth II anastomosis is common in distal gastrectomy. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the clinical utility of Braun anastomosis by comparing the outcomes and quality of life between Billroth II (B-II) and Billroth II with Braun (B-IIB) anastomosis in the treatment of gastric cancer. MethodsA retrospective cohort study examined clinical and pathological data from 377 patients who underwent distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer treatment at The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, from October 2016 to October 2021.185 patients received B-II anastomosis, while the other 192 received B-IIB anastomosis, forming the B-II and B-IIB groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics, perioperative variables, short-term and long-term complications, and nutritional indicators at 1 mo and 1 y postsurgery were compared across both groups. Additionally, gastric endoscopy results at 6 mo and 1 y postsurgery were evaluated. Quality of life at 1 y postsurgery was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30. ResultsBaseline characteristics between the two groups revealed no statistically significant differences (all P > 0.05), confirming their equivalence. All 377 patients successfully underwent curative distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer without intraoperative procedural modifications. No intraoperative complications or perioperative mortality occurred. Notable differences included extended operative time (222.1 ± 41.0 vs. 199.4 ± 24.9 min, P < 0.001), reduced postoperative nasogastric tube removal time (1.8 ± 0.9 vs. 2.2 ± 1.1 d, P < 0.001), decreased average gastric drainage volume (100.7 ± 35.2 vs. 112.2 ± 32.0 mL, P = 0.001), and increased incidence of internal hernia and ileus (4.7% vs. 1.1% and 8.3% vs. 3.2%, P = 0.038 and P = 0.035) in the B-IIB group compared to the B-II group. No significant differences were observed in estimated blood loss, lymph node dissection, postoperative flatus time, transition to a semiliquid diet, length of hospital stay, or short-term and long-term complications (all P > 0.05). Nutritional assessments conducted 1 mo and 1 y postsurgery indicated no statistically significant differences in body mass index, total protein, and serum albumin levels between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Gastric endoscopy evaluations at 6 mo and 1 y postsurgery, including food residue grade, gastritis severity, extent of gastritis, and bile reflux, demonstrated no significant discrepancies between the groups (all P > 0.05). At the 1-y follow-up, neither group exhibited tumor recurrences, deaths from tumor-related diseases, postoperative complications, or other diseases. Additionally, quality of life assessments using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core revealed no significant differences across various domains or items between the groups (all P > 0.05). ConclusionsA comparative analysis between B-II and B-IIB anastomosis demonstrated no notable variations in intraoperative parameters, postoperative nutritional outcomes, gastric endoscopic results, or postoperative quality of life. Nevertheless, incorporating Braun anastomosis can extend the duration of surgery and may elevate the likelihood of postoperative internal hernia.

An adult case of large defect of small mesenteric hiatal hernia causing small bowel obstruction

BackgroundSmall mesenteric hiatal hernias (SMHHs) are defined as a small group of internal hernias (IHs) that frequently diagnosed in children. However, SMHHs are relatively rare in adults. Bowel loop herniation via an abnormal mesenteric defect can lead to strangulated intestinal obstruction. Congenital SMHHs are commonly observed in pediatric patients, with some cases involving neonatal death.Case presentationA 24-year-old healthy male patient visited our hospital with a 2-day history of a sudden onset lower abdominal pain. He was initially diagnosed with enteritis. However, his symptoms worsened, and he was brought to our hospital. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan showed formation of a closed loop in the small intestine within the pelvis and signs of ischemia. As the patient was diagnosed with small bowel obstruction (SBO) caused by IH, emergency laparoscopic surgery was performed to loosen the obstruction. The patient was found to have ascites and small-bowel necrosis. A part of the small intestine that measured 30 cm was strangulated via a large-diameter defect (17 × 11 cm) in the ileal mesentery. Via a small abdominal incision, the necrotic bowel was resected, and the mesenteric defect was repaired.ConclusionSMHHs are rare in adults, and they should be considered as potential causes of strangulated intestinal obstruction in adults without a history of laparotomy or trauma.

Small intestinal incarceration caused by external herniation can be diagnosed clinically in cattle, but laparotomy is required to confirm internal incarceration.

To describe the clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings, treatment, and outcome of cattle with small intestinal incarceration (SII) through internal and external hernias. The medical records of 85 cattle with SII admitted between January 1, 1987, and December 31, 2019, were retrospectively reviewed. The long-term outcome was determined 2 years after discharge. 85 cattle had herniation of the small intestine through congenital or acquired openings in mesentery or omentum (internal herniation; n = 60) or the abdominal wall (external herniation; 25). The most common findings were little or no feces in the rectum (77 of 85 [90.6%]), reduced or absent intestinal motility (76 of 85 [89.4%]), and hypocalcemia (36 of 44 [81.8%]). Thirteen (15.3%) cattle died or were euthanized without surgery. Of the remaining 72 (84.7%) cattle that underwent surgery, 42 survived the procedure. Overall, 52 of 85 cattle (61.2%; 95% CI, 50% to 72%) did not survive to hospital discharge and 33 (38.8%; 95% CI, 28% to 50%) were discharged alive. Of these, 11 (33.3%; 6 with and 5 without hernias closed completely) were still productive in their respective herds 2 years later. The diagnosis of an incarcerated external hernia is usually straightforward, whereas internal SII necessitates laparotomy or postmortem examination for a definitive diagnosis. Internal herniation should be part of the differential diagnosis in cattle with signs of ileus. Immediate surgical treatment is paramount in cattle with SII.

A Case of Internal Hernia Presenting 20 Years After Gastric Bypass

A Case of Internal Hernia Presenting 20 Years After Gastric Bypass

An unusual case of small-bowel obstruction: Broad ligament hernia.

Broad ligament hernias (BLHs) are rare internal hernias that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. In this case report, we present the case of a BLH in a female patient and discuss its clinical presentation, diagnosis and management. A 40-year-old woman presented with subacute intestinal obstruction symptoms, including the inability to pass flatus and faeces and recurrent bilious vomiting. A computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed small-bowel obstruction adjacent to the uterus within the left broad ligament. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed a loop of obstructed small intestine within the broad ligament, which was released and found to be healthy. The defect between the broad and infundibulopelvic ligaments was closed with sutures. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was asymptomatic at a 6-month follow-up. BLHs can be congenital or acquired, with acquired defects often resulting from previous surgeries or pregnancy-related causes. The clinical presentation typically involves the symptoms of bowel obstruction, and a CT scan is the diagnostic modality of choice, showing characteristic findings such as closed-loop obstruction and bowel dilation. Laparoscopic management offers the advantages of faster recovery and less morbidity. Closure of the defect using nonabsorbable sutures is the standard surgical approach, although a wide opening of the defect has also been described. Recurrence is a possibility, particularly if absorbable sutures are used for closure. This case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in BLHs to prevent the complications and emphasises the role of laparoscopy in their management.

Near Complete Biliopancreatic Segment Necrosis: A Rare and Unknown Entity Observed After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass-A Case Report.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is one of the common bariatric surgery procedures performed worldwide. Necrosis of the biliopancreatic or Roux limbs in the late period after RYGB is a rarely observed condition, the most common causes of which are postoperative adhesion, inflammatory entities, volvulus, intussusception, and internal herniations. The goal of surgical treatment is the removal of the necrotic segment and the reconstruction of biliopancreatic or gastric drainage. Here, we present a rare case in which a patient developed complete necrosis of the third and fourth segments of the duodenum and proximal jejunal limb in the postoperative seventh month after undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Necrosis occurring after RYGB surgery often affects the Roux limb, though necrosis of the biliopancreatic limb is extremely rare. The goal of surgery is to remove the necrotic segment and reconstruct the drainage. An area of ischemia is often observed in the jejunum, while a large ischemic area was noted in the present case that encompassed the third and fourth parts of the duodenum. Although in general necrosis of the Roux limb occurs due to volvulus, intussusception, or internal herniation following RYGB surgery, it must be taken into account that necrosis of the jejunal, duodenal, or complete biliopancreatic segment may occur in cases in which the underlying etiology cannot be exactly revealed.

Spontaneous transomental hernia: A case report of a rare internal hernia with a challenging diagnosis

Introduction and importance: Transomental Hernia (TOH) is an extremely rare clinical condition that represents 1 to 4% of all internal hernias. Spontaneous TOH occurs in patients with no history of surgery or previous abdominal trauma. It happens after protrusion of the abdominal viscera, commonly the small bowel loops through a defect on the great omentum. Presentation of the case: We present a case of an occlusion due to TOH in 66- years- old man who underwent a laparotomy and operative exploration showed 10 cm of small bowel incarcerated through a defect in the right side of the greater omentum of 4 cm in diameter. Discussion: The diagnosis is usually delayed because symptoms are non-specific. Postoperative morbidity and mortality are important because patients present most frequently with gangrenous bowel making morbidity and mortality higher. Therefore, it constitutes a critical surgical emergency and must be quickly recognized and managed. Computed tomography (CT) scan plays a prominent role in diagnosis. Midline laparotomy is the main emergency approach for patients with unknown bowel obstruction. Some authors suggest laparoscopic approach but it requires surgeon’s experience and propitious patient’s conditions. Conclusion: TOH is the rarest type of internal hernia with extremely difficult preoperative diagnosis due to non-specific semiology. This type of hernia has the highest morbidity and mortality rates of all internal hernias. Thus; it must be suspected whenever there is bowel obstruction of unknown origin and quickly managed.

Congenital trans-mesentric internal hernia: a rare cause of acute intestinal obstruction in adult

Introduction and Importance: Internal hernia is responsible for 0.6–5.8% of all small intestinal obstructions. Only 8% of internal hernias are of the congenital trans mesenteric variant. Urgent surgical intervention should be considered in individuals who exhibit intestinal obstruction before the development of irreversible bowel ischemia and necrosis. Case Presentation: The authors report a 38-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, distension, and vomiting for the last three days. After an explorative laparotomy, it was confirmed that there was a trans mesenteric hernia defect with strangulated distal ileal loops. End-to-end ileo-ileal anastomosis was done. Clinical Discussion: Early recognition and subsequent surgical treatment permit proper management and prevent complications. There should be a differential diagnosis. In this case, there is no prior history of abdominal surgery, and the patient presents with recurrent abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and emergency laparotomy can save the intestine before gangrene, lowering morbidity and mortality, correcting the mesenteric defect to prevent recurrences, and enhancing clinical outcomes because many studies have shown that some cases are missed before radiological investigation. Laparotomy is still the method of choice for acute cases of incarceration with bowel obstruction, strangulation, and ischemia. The entire mesentery needs to be evaluated, and all mesenteric defects need to be sutured to prevent recurrence.

Spectrum of exploratory laparotomy for acute abdomen in a central Gujarat tertiary care centre

Background: Exploratory laparotomy is one of commonest emergency surgeries performed in the world. Despite technological advance imaging, the fundamental technique of exploratory laparotomy has remained unchanged over years. Studies quantifying the spectrum of laparotomy in central Gujarat are lacking. Methods: A retrospective study of 249 patients of emergency exploratory laparotomy for acute abdomen in SSG Hospital Baroda from May 2022 to May 2024 was done and data involving clinical presentation, imaging, operative findings and post- operative course were studied and analysed. The cases were divided into gastro-intestinal perforation, gastro-intestinal obstruction and miscellaneous cause. Results: The most common cause of exploratory laparotomy in study was perforation peritonitis including 59 ileal, 16 jejunal, 49 pre-pyloric, 29 duodenal, 1 body of stomach, 17 appendicular and 8 colon. With post op major complications like burst-11%, leak-5%, pneumonia-5%, multi-organ failure-6.5% and ileus 5%, wound infection 18%. The overall mortality was 15%. Out of 58 cases of laparotomy for obstruction including adhesions (29.3%), obstructed inguinal hernia (12%), tuberculosis (32%), malignancy (13.8%), internal hernia (12.6%). The miscellaneous causes were ruptured liver abscess (9), rupture ectopic pregnancy (2), twisted ovarian tumour (1). Conclusions: Acute abdomen remains a significant surgical problem. Peptic perforation remains a common cause of acute abdomen with high morbidity and mortality, despite improves medical management, though there is a declining trend in incidence, tuberculosis remains an important cause.

EP592 - A surgical case report of an epiploic hernia - A mobile right colon herniating through the foramen of Winslow

Abstract Introduction An Epiploic Hernia is an extremely rare type of abdominal hernia with &amp;lt;0.1 % incidence where the bowel or other intra-abdominal contents herniate through the Foramen of Winslow. A case of an Epiploic hernia in a middle-aged female is presented here. Presentation of case A woman in her 60s was admitted to a tertiary level hospital with severe right sided intermittent upper abdominal pain associated with nausea, bloating and constipation. The symptoms were thought to be due to biliary colic and managed conservatively. Since the symptoms persisted and a computed tomography scan of abdomen was organized. CT scan showed that the caecum was in the upper left quadrant. A laparoscopy was performed and demonstrated that her right colon was mobile herniating through the Foramen of Winslow into the lesser sac. The hernia was reduced, and the bowel was viable. The patient was discharged with no complications. Discussion There have been case reports of small bowel as the content of the hernia with lesser occurrences of caecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, gall bladder, omentum, or Meckel's diverticulum. A caecal herniation through the Foramen of Winslow is reported only with an incidence of 0.02 %. &amp;lt;10 % of these Epiploic hernias are diagnosed preoperatively making it a potentially life-threatening condition if not treated promptly due to high risk of bowel strangulation and mortality of up to 50 %. Conclusion A high index of suspicion is needed for the diagnosis of this internal hernia and radiological investigation is fundamental in making this diagnosis for allowing prompt surgical treatment.

EP454 - Left Paraduodenal Hernia and Large Bowel Obstruction: A Case Report

Abstract Aims Internal hernias are uncommon and difficult to diagnose clinically. Of these, a paraduodenal hernia is the most common, but remains a rare condition. Cases reported in the literature are few and often describe small bowel obstruction as a result of small bowel herniation into the left paraduodenal space and lesser sac. Here we describe a case of left paraduodenal hernia resulting in large bowel obstruction. Method Written consent from the patient has been obtained to present the case and associated radiological and intra-operative images. A 50 year old male with no surgical history presented to the general surgical team via the emergency department with a 12 hour history of epigastric pain, vomiting, abdominal distension and 24 hours history of absolute constipation. CT showed a large bowel obstruction with a transition point in the mid transverse colon with a swirling of the mesentery and large bowel concerning for left paraduodenal hernia. Results Open laparotomy was the preferred approach. There was gross dilatation of the large bowel with a competent ileocaecal valve. The hepatic flexure was found herniating into the lesser sac under the ligament of Treitz. This was reduced and the large bowel decompressed via the appendix. The narrow based small bowel mesentery was expanded by dividing the mesenteric parietal peritoneum. The large defect was closed with interrupted non-absorbable sutures. The patient made an unremarkable post-operative recovery. Conclusion This is a rare pathology with interesting surgical anatomy and we present its radiological and intraoperative findings and operative management strategy.

Internal hernia through the Treitz fossa after robotic pancreatoduodenectomy: pathogenesis and preventive measures.

Internal hernia through the Treitz fossa following robotic pancreatoduodenectomy is a rare but potentially serious complication. In our review of 328 cases of robotic pancreatoduodenectomies, two patients (0.6%) required repeat surgery due to internal herniation of the entire small bowel through the Treitz fossa. This complication can present as afferent loop syndrome, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension, possibly leading to cholangitis and pancreatitis. Timely diagnosis and intervention are paramount, as conservative management often fails. Preventive measures involve closing the peritoneal defect in the Treitz fossa at the end of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy, particularly in lean patients with thin mesentery who are at increased risk of internal hernia due to increased mobility of the small bowel. This technical note elucidates the pathogenesis of Treitz hernia following robotic pancreatoduodenectomy and underscores the importance of closing the peritoneal breach to prevent this rare yet potentially serious complication.

A Rare Case of Complex Left Paraduodenal Hernia with Cocoon Abdomen

Paraduodenal hernias are rare congenital hernias that account for approximately 0.2-0.9% of all internal hernias. Among them, left paraduodenal hernias are even rarer, with an incidence of about 0.8%. Cocoon abdomen, also known as sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, is a rare condition characterized by the encapsulation of the small bowel by a thick fibrous membrane, leading to intestinal obstruction. We present a rare case of a 45-year-old female patient who presented with complaints of left upper abdominal pain, intermittent vomiting, and abdominal distension for two months. Imaging studies revealed a complex left paraduodenal hernia with cocoon abdomen, leading to subacute intestinal obstruction. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, reduction of small bowel contents from the hernial sac, excision of the hernial sac, extensive adhesiolysis, and closure of the hernial defect. Intraoperatively, the entire small bowel from the duodenojejunal flexure to the ileocecal junction was encased in a thick peritoneal sac, with dense interbowel adhesions and a thick hernial sac. The postoperative course was complicated by paralytic ileus, which was managed conservatively. The patient recovered well and was discharged on a low-residue diet and appropriate medications. This case highlights the rare coexistence of a left paraduodenal hernia and cocoon abdomen, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention to prevent potential life-threatening complications

Mesodiverticular hernia: a rare cause of intestinal obstruction

A mesodiverticular band is a rare embryological remnant of arterial supply to the Meckel's diverticulum in utero. A persistent mesodiverticular band can cause bowel compression leading to obstruction. Internal herniation through a mesodiverticular band is very rare. We report a case of an 8yr old boy who presented with intestinal obstruction secondary to a mesodiverticular band and internal herniation. Internal herniation with a mesodiverticular band is a rare complication of Meckel’s diverticulum.

Can proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction replace total gastrectomy? a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and propensity score-matched studies

BackgroundAccording to the 5th edition of the Japanese Guidelines for the Treatment of Gastric Cancer, proximal gastrectomy is recommended for patients with early upper gastric cancer who can retain the distal half of the residual stomach after R0 resection. However, a large number of recent clinical studies suggest that surgical indications for proximal gastrectomy in the guidelines may be too narrow. Therefore, this meta-analysis included patients with early and advanced gastric cancer and compared short- and long-term postoperative outcomes between the two groups. At the same time, we only had high-quality clinical studies such as propensity score-matched studies and randomized controlled trials, which made our research more authentic and credible.MethodsData were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane Library up to June 2023, and included treatment outcomes after proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction and total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The primary results were Early-phase complications(Anastomotic leakage, Anastomotic bleeding, Abdominal abscess, Abdominal infection, Pulmonary infection, Incision infection, Intestinal obstruction, Dumping syndrome, Pancreatic fistula), Late-phase complications(Intestinal obstruction, Anastomosis stricture, Dumping syndrome, Reoperation, Internal hernia, Incidence of endoscopic gastroesophageal reflux), Serious complications (≥ Grade III C-D score), Quality of life[Gastroesophageal reflux symptom evaluation (Visick score)(≥ III), Los Angeles classification(C or D)], Nutritional status(Hemoglobin, Receipt of vitamin B12 supplementation), Oncologic Outcomes(The 5-year overall survival rates). Secondary outcomes were surgical outcomes (Operative time, Estimated blood loss, Postoperative hospital stay, Number of harvested lymph nodes, Gas-passing, Postoperative mortality).The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and Newcastle‒Ottawa scale were used to assess the quality of the included studies.ResultsAfter screening, 11 studies were finally included, including 1154 patients. Results from the combined literature showed that total gastrectomy had a significant advantage over proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction in mean operating time (MD = 4.92, 95% CI: 0.22∼9.61 P = 0.04). However, meta-analysis results showed that Hemoglobin (MD = 7.12, 95% CI:2.40∼11.84, P = 0.003) and Receipt of vitamin B12 supplementation (OR = 0.12, 95% CI:0.05∼0.26, P < 0.00001) in the proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction group were better than those in the total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction group. There is no significant difference between the proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction and the total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction group in Early-phase complications(OR = 1.14,95% CI:0.79∼1.64, P = 0.50), Late-phase complications(OR = 1.37,95% CI:0.78∼2.39, P = 0.27), Gastroesophageal reflux symptom evaluation (Visick score)(≥ III)(OR = 0.94,95% CI:0.14∼1.07 P = 0.07), Los Angeles classification(C or D)(OR = 0.33,95% CI:0.01∼8.21, P = 0.50), the 5-year overall survival rates (HR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.83 ~ 1.23, P = 0.89).ConclusionProximal gastrectomy with double-tract anastomosis is a safe and feasible treatment for upper gastric carcinoma. However, the operating time was slightly longer in the proximal gastrectomy with double-tract group compared to the total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y group. The two groups were comparable to the total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y group in terms of serious complications (≥ Grade III C-D score), early-phase complications, late-phase complications, and quality of life. Although the scope of proximal gastrectomy is smaller than that of total gastrectomy, it does not affect the 5-year survival rate, indicating good tumor outcomes for patients. Compared to total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y group, proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction had higher hemoglobin levels, lower probability of vitamin B12 supplementation, and better long-term efficacy. In conclusion, proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction is considered one of the more rational surgical approaches for upper gastric cancer.

Clinical management of intestinal malrotation in different age groups

PurposeIntestinal malrotation, characterized by abnormal intestinal positioning, can lead to severe complications like volvulus and internal hernias, especially in neonates and children. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic methods, treatment results and postoperative follow-up of pediatric patients treated for intestinal malrotation.MethodsThis retrospective study reviewed medical records of pediatric patients who underwent surgery for intestinal malrotation between January 2013 and January 2022. Data on demographics, symptoms, diagnostic approaches, surgical interventions, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.ResultsThe study included 45 patients, with a male predominance (68.8%). Ages ranged from 1 day to 15 years, averaging 1.54 years. Presenting symptoms were acute abdomen (n = 21) and chronic abdominal pain with vomiting (n = 24). Diagnoses were established via physical exams and imaging, including upper gastrointestinal contrast studies and abdominal ultrasonography. All patients received the Ladd procedure, with some requiring necrotic bowel resection due to volvulus.ConclusionThe diagnosis and management of pediatric intestinal malrotation present significant challenges due to its variable symptoms and potential for life-threatening complications. Early and accurate diagnosis, followed by appropriate surgical management, is crucial. This study emphasizes the importance of diligent postoperative follow-up to identify and mitigate complications, particularly in younger and severely affected patients.

Ultrasound imaging of bowel obstruction in infants and children.

We review the etiologies of bowel obstruction in infants and children that can be identified on ultrasound (US) including perforated appendicitis, intussusception, foreign body ingestion, colonic volvulus, intra-abdominal mass lesions, internal hernia, and stricturing inflammatory bowel disease. US can potentially identify the cause of bowel obstruction in these age groups, without the need for additional cross-sectional imaging, and can aid in patient management including interventional and surgical planning. Hence, it is important to be familiar with the sonographic imaging findings of bowel obstruction in infants and children.

A novel technique for NO.253 lymph node dissection and left colic artery preservation to avoid potential postoperative internal hernia in laparoscopic radical resection for rectal cancer

BackgroundThe preservation of the left colic artery (LCA) has emerged as a preferred approach in laparoscopic radical resection for rectal cancer. However, preserving the LCA while simultaneously dissecting the NO.253 lymph node can create a mesenteric defect between the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), the LCA, and the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV). This defect could act as a potential “hernia ring,” increasing the risk of developing an internal hernia after surgery. The objective of this study was to introduce a novel technique designed to mitigate the risk of internal hernia by filling mesenteric defects with autologous tissue.MethodsThis new technique was performed on eighteen patients with rectal cancer between January 2022 and June 2022. First of all, dissected the lymphatic fatty tissue on the main trunk of IMA from its origin until the LCA and sigmoid artery (SA) or superior rectal artery (SRA) were exposed and then NO.253 lymph node was dissected between the IMA, LCA and IMV. Next, the SRA or SRA and IMV were sequentially ligated and cut off at an appropriate location away from the “hernia ring” to preserve the connective tissue between the “hernia ring” and retroperitoneum. Finally, after mobilization of distal sigmoid, on the lateral side of IMV, the descending colon was mobilized cephalad. Patients’preoperative baseline characteristics and intraoperative, postoperative complications were examined.ResultsAll patients’ potential “hernia rings” were closed successfully with our new technique. The median operative time was 195 min, and the median intraoperative blood loss was 55 ml (interquartile range 30–90). The total harvested lymph nodes was 13.0(range12−19). The median times to first flatus and liquid diet intake were both 3.0 days. The median number of postoperative hospital days was 8.0 days. One patient had an injury to marginal arterial arch, and after mobolization of splenic region, tension-free anastomosis was achieved. No other severe postoperative complications such as abdominal infection, anastomotic leakage, or bleeding were observed.ConclusionsThis technique is both safe and effective for filling the mesenteric defect, potentially reducing the risk of internal hernia following laparoscopic NO.253 lymph node dissection and preservation of the left colic artery in rectal cancer surgeries.

Closed-loop obstruction due to internal hernia: An atypical clinical presentation of acute abdomen - A case report

Abstract Internal hernia is the protrusion of a viscus through a normal or abnormal peritoneal or mesenteric aperture within the confines of the peritoneal cavity. They can be congenital or acquired after abdominal surgery. We report a case of a 58-year-old woman who presented with complaints of abdominal pain and nonbilious vomiting for 2 days. She underwent an abdominal hysterectomy 15 years ago. After baseline blood investigations and imaging, a diagnosis of subacute intestinal obstruction was made. As she clinically worsened over 24 h, CT imaging was done, which suggested acute small bowel obstruction secondary to adhesions. Surgery revealed herniation with incarceration of distal ileal loops through a defect in the sigmoid mesocolon. Bowel resection was done, and the defect was closed. The clinical presentation of internal hernias, especially transmesosigmoid hernia, is nonspecific, and they rapidly progress to bowel ischemia. Early intervention and surgical correction are prudent for good clinical outcomes.