[Internal abdominal hernias. Report of 8 cases]

Internal abdominal hernias are rare. There unexpected discovery at laparotomy confront the surgeon at anatomic diagnosis problem. 8 cases of internal abdominal hernias were observed between 1989 and 1998: transmesenteric in 3 cases, mesosigmoidal in 2 cases, paraduodenal in 2 cases, needing intestinal resection. Hernia foramen were sutured in all of cases without hernial sac's resection. The results of the present series were excellent without recurrence. Literature review show that internal hernias were responsible of complex anatomic and surgical presentations. The primary task of the surgeon is not so much to establish the diagnosis of internal hernia but intestinal occlusion to decide at time urgent operation.