Pericecal hernia in a pediatric patient: Case report and literature review

Area of Science:

• Abdominal Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Pericecal hernia is an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction, primarily affecting adults but also seen in pediatric cases.
• Internal hernias, while sometimes congenital, are more frequently diagnosed in adulthood, making pediatric presentation rare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of pericecal hernia in a pediatric patient.
• To highlight the diagnostic and management strategies for internal hernias in adolescents.

Main Methods:

• A 16-year-old male presented with symptoms of small bowel obstruction.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan identified dilated small bowel loops with signs of ischemia.
• Surgical intervention involved ileocecectomy with primary anastomosis.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced a 20 cm segment of distal ileum protruding through the superior ileocecal recess.
• Successful ileocecectomy and anastomosis led to an uneventful recovery.
• CT scan proved essential in diagnosing the internal hernia, obstruction, and ischemia.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric presentation of internal hernias is infrequent, necessitating a high index of clinical suspicion.
• CT imaging is critical for diagnosing internal hernias and associated complications like strangulation and ischemia.
• Timely surgical intervention is vital to prevent extensive bowel resection and other severe complications.