Internal herniation through the falciform ligament: an unusual cause of intestinal obstruction

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Medical Case Reports

Background:

• Postsurgical adhesions are the most frequent cause of intestinal obstruction in children.
• Internal herniation through the falciform ligament is an uncommon cause of obstruction, typically affecting the small bowel.
• Midgut malrotation is a congenital anomaly that can predispose to internal herniation.

Observation:

• A pediatric patient presented with symptoms indicative of large bowel obstruction.
• Imaging and surgical findings revealed midgut malrotation.
• Internal herniation of the large bowel through the falciform ligament was identified as the cause of obstruction.

Findings:

• This case represents the first documented instance of large bowel obstruction associated with midgut malrotation through the falciform ligament in a child.
• The obstruction was successfully managed surgically.
• The rarity of this specific presentation highlights the diverse clinical manifestations of congenital anomalies.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of potential complications associated with midgut malrotation.
• It underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses in pediatric intestinal obstruction.
• Further investigation into the anatomical variations predisposing to falciform ligament herniation may be warranted.