Paraduodenal Hernia With Massive Intestinal Gangrene and Its Surgical Management: A Case Report

Paraduonenal hernia constitutes more than 50% of internal hernia cases. It can result in perilous sequelae like gut ischemia and perforation. We report a case of a patient who presented with acute intestinal obstruction and peritonitis and was diagnosed as a case of complicated paraduodenal as an incidental finding on laparotomy.  A 26-year-old male patient presented with three days history of continuous severe incapacitating diffuse abdominal pain. The pain was associated with multiple episodes of bilious vomiting and absolute constipation. Patient had signs and symptoms of shock. Abdomen examination showed generalized peritonitis. Patient had deranged laboratory investigations. Abdominal X-ray showed acute intestinal obstruction. Patient was resuscitated and taken up for emergency laparotomy. Intraoperatively there was a long segment of gangrenous small bowel entrapped in the paraduodenal sac. Gangrenous gut was released from the sac and excised with proximal and distal ends fashioned as stoma through separate sites. Patient was managed with intravenous fluids with total parental nutrition. Patient gradually started on oral diet and jejunostomy output was refed through the distal stoma. Patient was discharged on postoperative day 14. Patient had uneventful early stoma closure at postoperative day 45 and now is on regular follow-up in the outdoor department. Paraduodenal hernias are one of the rare causes of intestinal obstruction that is difficult to diagnose. Radiologic investigation like abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan can aid in diagnosis of paraduodenal hernia. Surgeons should have clear knowledge about abnormal anatomy of internal hernias and complications they can face during surgery.