Small bowel obstruction secondary to internal hernia through a defect of the broad ligament: preoperative multi-detector CT diagnosis

Herniation Through Defects in the Broad Ligament

Background

We sought to assess hernia characteristics and classification through comprehensive review of the literature involving broad ligament herniation.

Methods

A literature search via MEDLINE and Embase databases was conducted to identify and select broad ligament herniation studies published between January 1, 2000 and September 30, 2020. Extracted data included previous surgical history, previous obstetric history, diagnostic imaging, herniated organ, hernia classification, and repair performed. The reported data has been compared to a unique case of broad ligament herniation that presented to our institution.

Results

A total of 44 articles with 49 cases were identified for the study. Eighteen (36.7%) patients had a history of previous abdominal surgery while 29 (59.2%) had a history of previous childbirth. Type I (51.0%) and Type II (18.4%) defects were most commonly reported with most patients reporting only one defect (85.7%) using the Cilley classification. Twenty-nine patients underwent primary laparoscopic repair of the defect while 19 patients underwent exploratory laparotomy.

Conclusions

The analysis of previously reported cases adds to the limited literature on broad ligament hernias and highlights the surgical management of this uncommon pathology. It also highlights the need for a broad differential diagnosis when female patients present with pelvic pain or symptoms of small bowel obstruction. The broad ligament should be fully inspected when mesenteric defects are suspected as multiple defects can be present as evidenced by the attached case study.

An incarcerated internal hernia of the sigmoid colon through a defect in the broad ligament: A case report

Introduction and importance

Hernias through a defect of the broad ligament are rare, accounting for only 1.6–5% of internal herniations [1]. This report describes a rare case of sigmoid colon obstruction due to hernia through a defect of the broad ligament, which was diagnosed before surgery.

Case presentation

A 78-year-old multiparous woman presented with lower abdominal pain and nausea. Contrast-enhanced multi-detector CT (MDCT) demonstrated a dilated sigmoid colon and edematous mesentery of the sigmoid colon in the left Douglas' fossa, the uterus was compressed dorsally to the right and the left ovary was compressed ventrally. We diagnosed an internal broad ligament defect hernia with incarceration of the sigmoid colon, and performed emergency laparotomy. The necrotic sigmoid colon was resected and anastomosis was performed by the double stapling technique. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Clinical discussion

We consider the treatment of hernia of sigmoid colon through a broad ligament defect.

Conclusion

We recognize that there is a possibility that, in addition to the small intestine, proximally located organs may be incarcerated. In the case of the colon, we should choose the treatment method carefully according to whether or not the colon is expected to be necrotic.

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Hernia of the sigmoid colon through a broad ligament defect is rare.

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The approach is based on whether or not the sigmoid colon is necrotic.

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We can evaluate whether it is necrotic or not and reposition by colonoscopy.

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Anatomically proximal organs may be incarcerated through such defects.

A review of internal hernias related to congenital peritoneal fossae and apertures

Congenital-type internal hernias have the potential to cause small bowel obstruction well into adulthood. Congenital-type internal hernias include left paraduodenal, right paraduodenal, foramen of Winslow, pericecal, sigmoid mesocolon, transomental, small bowel mesentery, and broad ligament hernias. This review summarizes CT imaging features and complications of congenital internal hernias using a systematic approach based on abdominopelvic quadrants and key anatomic features. CT imaging will continue to be commonly used to evaluate abdominal pain. Anatomical landmarks and characteristic CT findings can help identify congenital internal hernias as a potential cause of abdominal pain.

Strangulated internal hernia due to defect in broad ligament: a case report

Small bowel obstruction is a relatively common disease process accounting for up to 16 percent of surgical admissions and more than 300,000 operations annually in the United States. Approximately 5–8 percent of small bowel obstructions can be attributed to internal hernias. A slightly lower percentage, roughly 4–7 percent, of these internal hernias are noted to originate from a defect in the broad ligament of the uterus. A majority of broad ligaments defects causing a small bowel obstruction are not diagnosed preoperatively due to the equivocal imaging findings as well as the infrequency of this etiology. To date, there are very few case reports describing this disease process. This case report describes a 70-year-old female who was found to have a defect in her broad ligament causing a small bowel obstruction leading to subsequent strangulated bowel.

Less invasive treatment for broad ligament hernia: A case report

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We experienced a case of a broad ligament hernia of the uterus, which is relatively rare among the cases of internal hernia that were treated by less invasive laparoscopic surgery.

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If intestinal ischemia can be ruled out, a less invasive laparoscopic surgery may be performed after intestinal decompression.

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Making a diagnosis of broad ligament hernia of the uterus by CT can lead to easier and safer laparoscopic surgery and shorter operation time.

Introduction

Among diseases that cause small bowel obstruction, internal hernia may result in severe outcomes. Therefore, emergency laparotomy has been often performed, but it may be invasive. We experienced a case of a broad ligament hernia of the uterus, which is relatively rare among the cases of internal hernia that were treated by less invasive laparoscopic surgery.

Case presentation

A 71-year-old woman came to our hospital because of abdominal pain and vomiting. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a broad ligament hernia of the uterus without intestinal ischemia. Intestinal decompression was done by inserting an ileus tube (® Long Intestinal Tube, CLINY), followed by elective laparoscopic surgery.

Discussion

If intestinal ischemia can be ruled out, a less invasive laparoscopic surgery may be performed after intestinal decompression. Further, by detecting the cause of internal hernia, more safe and smooth surgery can be performed. These findings highlighted the importance of accurate CT diagnosis.

Conclusion

In order to perform laparoscopic surgery for internal hernia, evaluation of the presence or absence of intestinal ischemia and detection of the cause of obstruction by preoperative abdominal CT are important.

Acute abdominal pain due to internal herniation of the sigmoid colon, fallopian tube and left ovary, a rare presentation of Allen Masters syndrome

In 1955, Allen and Masters describe a painful syndrome which associates traumatic delivery to laceration found on the posterior leaf of the broad ligament. Herniation through this defect is a rare entity, accounted for about 4-7% of all internal hernias. Normally, it involves the small bowel. The authors present the case of a multiparous woman admitted at emergency for constipation and abdominal pain. The CT scan showed an extremely rare case of internal hernia of the sigmoid colon, fallopian tube and left ovary through a large defect of the broad ligament. The patient underwent a full laparoscopic surgery that allowed the reduction of the hernia and the suture of the defect with very good outcome.

Internal hernias: a difficult diagnostic challenge. Review of CT signs and clinical findings

Although internal hernias are uncommon, they must be beared in mind in the differential diagnosis in cases of intestinal obstruction, especially in patients with no history of previous surgery or trauma. Because of the high possibility of strangulation and ischemia of the affected loops, internal hernias represent a potentially life-threatening condition and surgical emergency that needs to be quickly recognized and managed promptly. Imaging plays a leading role in the diagnosis and in particular multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), with its thin-section and high-resolution multiplanar reformatted (MPR) images, represents the first line image technique in these patients. The purpose of the present paper is to illustrate the characteristic anatomic location, the clinical findings and the CT appearance associated with main types of internal hernia, including paraduodenal, foramen of Winslow, pericecal, sigmoid-mesocolon- and trans-mesenteric-related, transomental, supravesical and pelvic hernias. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Internal Hernias in the Era of Multidetector CT: Correlation of Imaging and Surgical Findings

Clinical diagnosis of internal hernias is challenging because of their nonspecific signs and symptoms. Many types of internal hernias have been defined: paraduodenal, small bowel mesentery-related, greater omentum-related, lesser sac, transverse mesocolon-related, pericecal, sigmoid mesocolon-related, falciform ligament, pelvic internal, and Roux-en-Y anastomosis-related. An internal hernia is a surgical emergency that can develop into intestinal strangulation and ischemia. Accurate preoperative diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management. Multidetector computed tomography (CT), with its thin-section axial images, high-quality multiplanar reformations, and three-dimensional images, currently plays an essential role in preoperative diagnosis of internal hernias. The diagnostic approach to internal hernias at multidetector CT includes detecting an intestinal closed loop, identifying the hernia orifice, and analyzing abnormal displacement of surrounding structures and key vessels around the hernia orifice and hernia sac. At each step, multidetector CT can depict pathognomonic findings. A saclike appearance suggests an intestinal closed loop in several types of internal hernias. Convergence, engorgement, and twisting of mesenteric vessels in the hernia orifice can be seen clearly at multidetector CT, especially with use of multiplanar reformations. For definitive diagnosis of an internal hernia, analysis of displacement of anatomic landmarks around the hernia orifice is particularly important, and thin-section images provide the required information. Detailed knowledge of the anatomy, etiology, and imaging landmarks of the various hernia types is also necessary. Familiarity with the appearances of internal hernias at multidetector CT allows accurate and specific preoperative diagnosis. (©)RSNA, 2015.

Lesions of the Broad Ligament: A Review

The differential diagnosis of lesions arising in the broad ligament is quite large. Many of these lesions can be clinically interpreted before surgery as adnexal or uterine neoplasms. Although some lesions are similar to those arising in other müllerian sites, there are unique lesions as well. The lesions are uncommon and may prove challenging to clinicians. The purpose was to review the scope of lesions affecting the broad ligament. A literature review was conducted. A Medline search was performed using the terms broad ligament, mesosalpinx, and mesovarium. A review of the scope of broad ligament lesions is presented to assist in developing a differential diagnosis if a patient with such a lesion is encountered.