Intestinal obstruction secondary to incarcerated broad ligament hernia: a case report

Abstract

Introduction Intestinal obstruction is commonly seen at emergency services but is not usually caused by internal hernias. Herniation through defects of the broad ligament is even rarer. This case report discusses Intestinal obstruction secondary to incarcerated broad ligament hernia. Case report A 39-year-old female without surgical or gynaecological antecedents, presented with small bowel obstruction. Radiograph and a computed tomography scan confirmed obstruction but did not provide a cause. On laparotomy, an incarcerated internal hernia through a broad ligament defect was found and liberated. The patient had an uneventful postoperative evolution. Discussion The authors give a brief literature review and discuss the importance of considering this aetiology in cases of intestinal obstruction in females without surgical antecedents since diagnosis is often difficult. The necessity of early intervention that prevents severe complications is also emphasised. Conclusion Broad ligament hernia is a rare entity that may lead to severe complications. It must be considered as a possible cause of intestinal obstruction in females, and early surgical treatment is mandatory in these cases; it can be carried out through open or laparoscopic approaches. Introduction Intestinal obstruction is a common clinical cause for presentation at an emergency service. The occurrence of small bowel obstruction secondary to internal hernias is an infrequent condition1,2. Internal hernias are caused by the herniation of bowel segments through natural or unnatural openings within the peritoneal cavity. They may be acquired or congenital and persistent or intermittent3. Herniation through defects of the broad ligament of the uterus is even rarer3,4. It is a severe condition due to the risk of strangulation and perforation of the hernial content, even in small hernias4. This case report presents a 39-year-old female with intestinal obstruction secondary to an incarcerated internal hernia through a broad ligament defect.