[Left paraduodenal hernia: a case report and review of the literature]

Paraduodenal hernia is a rare internal congenital hernia due to an embryological abnormality. It is often associated with non-specific abdominal symptoms. In this report the authors describe the case of a woman who was referred to the emergency ward for intestinal obstruction. Preliminary examinations (x-ray and computed tomography scan) failed to yield a clear diagnosis. The patient underwent a surgical procedure and a left paraduodenal hernia was diagnosed. A sound knowledge of embryological anatomy is essential for safe, effective surgical treatment of such internal hernias. A review of the literature confirms that this congenital abnormality is rare and that its diagnosis is the most difficult step in its therapeutic management.