Littre's hernia in a paediatric patient

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Congenital Abnormalities

Background:

• Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital gastrointestinal anomaly, often asymptomatic until complications arise.
• Littre's hernia is a rare complication where MD protrudes through an abdominal defect, potentially leading to incarceration, inflammation, or necrosis.
• The inguinal canal, typically on the right, is the most frequent site for Littre's hernia, posing diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

• This report presents a case of a 4-month-old male infant.
• The infant exhibited a Littre's hernia with an incarcerated component on the left side.
• This presentation is unusual given the typical right-sided inguinal location.

Findings:

• The case highlights a rare left-sided presentation of Littre's hernia in an infant.
• The incarcerated nature of the hernia required prompt surgical intervention.
• Diagnostic difficulties pre-operatively underscore the importance of considering MD complications.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of Littre's hernia presentations, particularly left-sided occurrences.
• It emphasizes the need for high clinical suspicion in pediatric patients with hernias, especially when atypical.
• Early diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes in complicated Meckel's diverticulum cases.