Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Internal hernias caused by broad ligament defects are an infrequent cause of bowel obstruction. These defects may be congenital or acquired mainly by gynecological antecedents. Small bowel is the most common affected and the diagnosis is difficult due to nonspecific symptoms and absences of characteristic radiological signs.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We report the cases of three women aged from 43 to 56 years old, who came to the emergency with abdominal pain, vomiting and bloating of hours duration. One patient has a history of laparoscopic appendectomy, the rest of them with no surgical history. In all of the cases, x-rays showed dilatation of small bowel loops and air-fluid levels and the abdominal TC revealed a generalized distention of bowel loops with transition point in the terminal ileum with no identifiable cause compatible with small bowel obstruction.
RESULTS
We decided to perform an urgent surgery with an exploratory laparotomy in one case and the rest by laparoscopic approach, finding an internal hernia occasioned by incarceration of small bowel through a broad ligament defect. In all cases, the hernia content was liberated without evidence of ischemia with no need for intestinal resection, and the defect was closed. All patients had a favourable postoperative course without complications.
DISCUSSION
Broad ligament defects are a rare cause of internal hernias. These are difficult to diagnose clinically as well as radiologically for an absence of characteristic signs. A high level of clinical suspicion allows early diagnosis and the treatment should be performed as soon as possible to reduce the chances of intestinal necrosis.
Laparoscopic repair of a small bowel herniation through a broad ligament defect