Unexpected findings at diagnostic laparoscopy: caecal incarceration with concurrent appendicitis in a patient with bilateral broad ligament defects

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.

The complicated Allen-Masters syndrome: small bowel herniation through a broad ligament defect

Small bowel obstruction through a broad ligament defect is a very rare condition. We present 2 cases, one without any associated abdominal trauma. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of this rare condition is of paramount importance.

Allen-Masters syndrome: do the classic risk factors also apply in patients with endometriosis?

AIM

To evaluate whether the classic risk factors for Allen-Masters syndrome, such as body mass index (BMI) and spontaneous births, are in fact responsible for the condition in patients with endometriosis.

METHODS

A total of 26 women who underwent a laparoscopic procedure due to chronic pelvic pain, Allen-Masters syndrome and endometriosis from 2009-2011 were enrolled in this study from an endometriosis competence center specializing in minimally invasive surgery. This was a retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

RESULTS

Only eight of the 26 patients (30.77%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 14.33-51.79%) had the classic risk factors (BMI >25 kg/m(2) and/or at least one spontaneous birth). The mean age in the study group was 32.08 years (SD ± 5.45). The patients had a mean BMI (kg/m(2) ) of 19.61 (SD ± 3.07). The means for the patients' clinical data were 0.88 (SD ± 1.53) pregnancies, 0.81 (SD ± 1.23) for parity, 0.27 (SD ± 0.60) for cesareans and 0.54 (SD ± 0.99) for spontaneous births. The revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (rASRM) stage showed a median of grade III. The left side of the posterior compartment was more often affected (73.1% of cases) than the right side in all patients.

CONCLUSION

In all, 69.23% of the cases (95% CI, 48.21-85.67%) were not explained by the classic risk factors. In view of the absence of other diseases and otherwise unremarkable parameters, we consider mechanical damage of the lesser pelvis not to be solely responsible for AMS. Further observations in patients with AMS, with and without endometriosis, may be able to contribute to research into the actual etiology of the condition.

Case Report of an Internal Hernia through a Unilateral Congenital Defect of the Broad Ligament and Literature Review

We report a case of small bowel obstruction resulting from the herniation of small bowel through a unilateral defect in the broad ligament of a woman who had no prior abdominal surgery and was nulliparous. In the absence of previous uterine surgery, delivery trauma and pelvic pathology, congenital abnormality should be considered the cause of the defect in the broad ligament.

Laparoscopic management of internal hernia of small intestine through a broad ligament defect

Internal herniation through a defect in the broad ligament is a rare condition. A 42-year-old multiparous woman presented with a long-standing history of right-sided abdominal pain. Laparoscopy revealed herniation of small bowel through a defect in the right broad ligament. The hernia was reduced, and the defect was corrected laparoscopically. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the previously persistent abdominal pain has resolved.