[Left paraduodenal hernia: an unusual cause of intestinal obstruction.]

Paraduodenal hernias are an unusual cause of small bowel obstruction. The clinical spectrum varies from episodes of partial, intermittent,small bowel obstruction, to those of acute, complete small bowel obstruction, with the potential risk of complications such as intestinal ischemia,perforation and abdominal sepsis. Reported here in is the case of a 53 year old man with complete small bowel obstruction secondary to a left paraduodenal hernia, in whom operative treatment consisted of reduction of the hernia content, small bowel decompression and closure of the hernia ring. The operation successfully resolved the acute event and has prevented recurrences during a 4 year follow-up.