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Published on: March 5, 2018

Congenital transmesosigmoid hernia: a rare case of pediatric small-bowel obstruction

George Papanikolaou1, George A Alexiou, Michail Mitsis

  • 1Department of Surgery and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece.

Pediatric Emergency Care
|July 18, 2008
PubMed

Insights

A rare transmesocolic hernia occurred in a child due to a congenital sigmoid mesocolon defect. Surgical repair was successful, with the patient recovering fully after resection of gangrenous ileum.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastrointestinal Surgery
  • Abdominal Wall Defects

Background:

  • Internal hernias are rare, with transmesocolic hernias being an uncommon subtype.
  • Congenital defects in the mesocolon can predispose individuals to internal herniation.

Observation:

  • A 3-year-old girl presented with acute left abdominal pain and vomiting, indicative of a possible internal abdominal issue.
  • Clinical deterioration necessitated prompt surgical intervention, leading to an exploratory laparotomy.

Findings:

  • Intraoperative findings confirmed a transmesosigmoid hernia, a specific type of internal hernia.
  • The hernia sac contained compromised (gangrenous) loops of the ileum, requiring surgical resection.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric internal hernias.
  • Successful resection and repair of the congenital defect led to an uneventful recovery, highlighting the effectiveness of surgical intervention.

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