Colonic Obstruction Caused by Sigmoid Volvulus Combined with a Transomental Hernia: A Case Report

The case of sigmoid volvulus combined with a transomental hernia is reported. A 70-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with mild abdominal pain and distension. Although no signs of peritoneal irritation were apparent, a plain abdominal X-ray showed a markedly dilated loop of the sigmoid colon, and CT revealed a whirl pattern of the sigmoid mesentery. These findings suggested sigmoid volvulus. Colonoscopic reduction was attempted as an initial nonoperative treatment, and an urgent laparotomy was performed after the reduction failed. The sigmoid loop was herniated through the great omentum, with torsion in the clockwise direction. The colon was manually untwisted in the counter-clockwise direction, and the sigmoid loop was released by dividing the great omentum. During this one-stage operation, intraoperative colonic irrigation, sigmoid resection, and primary anastomosis were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. Although sigmoid volvulus combined with a transomental hernia is rare, urgent surgical intervention is essential on failure of endoscopic reduction.

Intestinal Obstruction Caused by Spontaneous Transomental Internal Hernia

A transomental hernia is a rare type of internal hernia. Only one case of this type of hernia has been reported in Korea whereas several cases have been described in other countries. This is the second case of a mechanical obstruction caused by a transomental internal hernia in Korea. We report this case with a brief review of the relevant literature.