Incidental paraduodenal hernia found during laparoscopic colectomy

This paper describes a rare right paraduodenal hernia discovered during an elective laparoscopic colon resection. Our patient was a 60-year-old Asian man with a history of multiple bouts of diverticulitis and a lifelong history of mild constipation and postprandial abdominal pain. Prior CT scans and preoperative barium enema confirmed the diagnosis of diverticular disease, and no other abnormalities were appreciated. At laparoscopic exploration, a right paraduodenal hernia was found with complete herniation of the small intestine under the ascending colon and hepatic flexure. The unclear anatomy prompted conversion to an open laparotomy. This allowed safe reduction of the hernia and sac excision. Adhesions were lysed to relieve a partial duodenal obstruction, and a Ladd's procedure was performed to correct the incomplete rotation. Additionally, a sigmoid colectomy was performed. After prolonged ileus, the patient was discharged on postoperative day 14. At 6-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic and doing well.