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Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
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A transmesenteric hernia in a child: gangrene of a long segment of small bowel through a large mesenteric defect

Chan Yong Park1, Jung Chul Kim, Soo Jin Na Choi

  • 1Department of Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School, Dong-gu, Gwangju, Korea. wkafyddl@hanmail.net

The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology = Taehan Sohwagi Hakhoe Chi
|May 22, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Transmesenteric hernia, a rare cause of intestinal obstruction, can lead to severe bowel damage and high mortality. Early consideration is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of this surgical emergency.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Pathology
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • Intestinal obstruction is a frequent surgical emergency.
  • Transmesenteric hernia is an uncommon etiology, often leading to irreversible bowel damage and significant mortality.
  • Prompt recognition is vital as strangulation and gangrene can rapidly ensue.

Observation:

  • Preoperative diagnosis of transmesenteric hernia is challenging and infrequently achieved.
  • In pediatric cases of small bowel obstruction without prior surgery, transmesenteric hernia should be suspected.
  • A case involving extensive small bowel gangrene due to a large mesenteric defect is presented.

Findings:

  • Transmesenteric hernias can cause acute bowel obstruction.
  • Gangrene significantly increases the mortality rate associated with this condition.
  • The rarity and diagnostic difficulty underscore the need for clinical vigilance.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness may improve diagnostic accuracy for transmesenteric hernias.
  • Timely surgical intervention can prevent bowel necrosis and reduce mortality.
  • This case highlights the potential severity of transmesenteric hernias in children.

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