A novel technique for NO.253 lymph node dissection and left colic artery preservation to avoid potential postoperative internal hernia in laparoscopic radical resection for rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The preservation of the left colic artery (LCA) has emerged as a preferred approach in laparoscopic radical resection for rectal cancer. However, preserving the LCA while simultaneously dissecting the NO.253 lymph node can create a mesenteric defect between the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), the LCA, and the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV). This defect could act as a potential "hernia ring," increasing the risk of developing an internal hernia after surgery. The objective of this study was to introduce a novel technique designed to mitigate the risk of internal hernia by filling mesenteric defects with autologous tissue. METHODS: This new technique was performed on eighteen patients with rectal cancer between January 2022 and June 2022. First of all, dissected the lymphatic fatty tissue on the main trunk of IMA from its origin until the LCA and sigmoid artery (SA) or superior rectal artery (SRA) were exposed and then NO.253 lymph node was dissected between the IMA, LCA and IMV. Next, the SRA or SRA and IMV were sequentially ligated and cut off at an appropriate location away from the "hernia ring" to preserve the connective tissue between the "hernia ring" and retroperitoneum. Finally, after mobilization of distal sigmoid, on the lateral side of IMV, the descending colon was mobilized cephalad. Patients'preoperative baseline characteristics and intraoperative, postoperative complications were examined. RESULTS: All patients' potential "hernia rings" were closed successfully with our new technique. The median operative time was 195 min, and the median intraoperative blood loss was 55 ml (interquartile range 30-90). The total harvested lymph nodes was 13.0(range12-19). The median times to first flatus and liquid diet intake were both 3.0 days. The median number of postoperative hospital days was 8.0 days. One patient had an injury to marginal arterial arch, and after mobolization of splenic region, tension-free anastomosis was achieved. No other severe postoperative complications such as abdominal infection, anastomotic leakage, or bleeding were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is both safe and effective for filling the mesenteric defect, potentially reducing the risk of internal hernia following laparoscopic NO.253 lymph node dissection and preservation of the left colic artery in rectal cancer surgeries.

Internal Hernia Post-Single Anastomosis Gastric Bypass: Case Series with Review of Literature.

Obesity is an emerging worldwide health care issue. It has a direct and indirect bearing on health-related outcomes. Rates of overweight and obesity have grown manifold in the past few decades globally. Once considered a problem of the affluent societies only, obesity is now dramatically on the rise in low- and middle-income countries also. Single anastomosis gastric bypass (SAGB) is one of the combined bariatric procedures adopted for weight loss in patients failing maximal medical therapy. Internal hernia (IH) after SAGB is a less recognized clinical entity. We hereby report our experience with four such cases under light of current available literature. Bariatric procedures are associated with some short- and long-term limitations. IHs are among one of the dreaded complications associated with some bariatric procedures with rates reaching up to 16% after classic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The incidence of IH post-SAGB is comparatively rare and is very less frequently reported. Symptoms of IH post-SAGB are quite nonspecific and depend on the time and extent of herniation. The symptoms can vary from benign intermittent colicky pain to severe intra-abdominal pain presenting as a surgical emergency. Routine physical examination and biochemical investigations are nonspecific and unreliable in evaluating those patients. Computed tomography (CT) with intravenous and oral contrast is the most common imaging modality used for preoperative evaluation of those symptoms. The CT findings can be unremarkable in patients having intermittent symptoms/herniation. Diagnostic laparoscopy is the cornerstone for diagnosis and management of patients having high suspicion of IH.

Herniation of the Right Colon, From the Cecum to the Hepatic Flexure, Through the Foramen of Winslow: A Case Report.

Herniation of bowel contents between the peritoneal cavity proper and the omental bursa, through the foramen of Winslow, can present diagnostic challenges that can potentially delay necessary surgical intervention. This case describes a 49-year-old female with a past medical history of hiatal hernia and biliary dyskinesia who presented to the emergency department with severe epigastric and right lower quadrant abdominal pain one day after a reported gastrointestinal illness of unknown etiology. Initial emergency department workup demonstrated an elevated white blood cell count without lactic acidosis. Computed tomography imaging was interpreted as gastric distension with volvulus around the mesentery and second portion of the duodenum. Intraoperatively, the entirety of the right colon was noted to have passed through the foramen of Winslow into the lesser sac. This led to twisting of the mesocolon causing compression of the duodenum and a gastric outlet obstruction. After surgical reduction of the herniation, the patient noted great improvement in pain and other symptoms.

Small Bowel Obstruction Associated With Ureterocutaneous Fistula After a Radical Cystectomy: A Case Report.

This is a case report of a man in his 60s who was diagnosed with a small bowel obstruction due to an internal hernia caused by a ureterocutaneous fistula. Internal hernia caused by the ureter following urinary diversion is rare, posing challenges in preoperative diagnosis and carrying the risk of intraoperative injury due to the resemblance of a ureterocutaneous fistula to an adhesive band. The presentation and surgical management are discussed in this case report.

Transmesenteric internal hernia: an unexpected adverse event induced by colonoscopy.

Transmesenteric internal hernia is an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction that occurs when small bowel loops protrude through a mesenteric defect into the abdominal cavity. Herein, we present an unexpected case of colonoscopy-induced transmesenteric internal hernia. An 81-year-old male patient presenting with intermittent hematochezia and constipation had undergone a laparoscopic left nephrectomy for ureteral cancer. A colonoscopy was performed to identify the etiology of his symptoms. He complained of severe abdominal pain 2 h after the examination despite uneventful endoscopic procedures, including cold snare polypectomy. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a strangulated small bowel obstruction with a closed-loop formation outside the descending colon. The small bowel loop was incarcerated into the left retroperitoneal space. Emergency laparotomy detected small bowel loops that prolapsed into the nephrectomy pedicle via a descending mesenteric defect, developed during the laparoscopic left nephrectomy. The incarcerated small bowel was detached from the hernia and returned to its normal position, and the mesenteric defect was closed. He demonstrated an uneventful postoperative course, with no internal hernia recurrence after discharge. This case indicates the risk of transmesenteric internal hernia through inadvertently created mesenteric defects should be borne in mind, especially when performing colonoscopies in patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomies.

Diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasound combined with multi-slice computer tomography (MSCT) for pediatric intra-abdominal hernias: a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: To explore the diagnostic value of high-resolution ultrasound combined with multi-slice computer tomography (MSCT) for pediatric intra-abdominal hernias (IAHs), and to analyze the potential causes for missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of IAHs in children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 45 children with surgically confirmed IAHs. The diagnostic rate of IAHs by preoperative high-resolution ultrasound combined with MSCT was compared with that of intraoperative examination, and the potential causes for missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis by the combination method were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-five cases of pediatric IAHs were categorized into primary (25/45, 55.5%) and acquired secondary hernias (20/45, 44.5%). Among children with primary hernias, mesenteric defects were identified as the predominant subtype (40%). Acquired secondary hernias typically resulted from abnormal openings in the abdominal wall or band adhesions due to trauma, surgery, or inflammation. In particular, adhesive band hernias were the major type in children with acquired secondary hernias (40%). The diagnostic rate of high-resolution ultrasound was 77.8%, with "cross sign" as a characteristic ultrasonic feature. Among 10 cases of missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis, 5 were finally diagnosed as IAHs by multi-slice computer tomography (MSCT). Overall, the diagnostic rate of pediatric IAHs by preoperative ultrasound combined with radiological imaging reached 88.9%. DISCUSSION: IAHs in children, particularly mesenteric defects, are prone to strangulated intestinal obstruction and necrosis. High-resolution ultrasound combined with MSCT greatly enhances the diagnostic accuracy of pediatric IAHs.

Meticulous Closure of Mesenteric Defects Effectively Reduces the Incidence of Internal Hernia After Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

INTRODUCTION: Internal hernia (IH) after Roux-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) can lead to extended small bowel ischemia if it not recognized and treated promptly. The aim of this study is to show whether improvement in mesenteric defect (MD) closure reduces the incidence of IH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from our database including all patients who underwent laparoscopic RYGB between 1999 and 2015. The usual technique was a retrocolic/retrogastric RYGB. We divided patients in four groups according to the closure technique for MD and compared incidences of IH between groups. All patients had at least 8 years of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 1927 patients (1497 females/460 males, mean age of 41.5 ± 11 years) were operated. A retrocolic/retrogastric RYGB was performed in 1747 (90.7%) and an antecolic RYGB in 180 patients. Mean duration of follow-up was 15 (8-24) years. 111 patients (5.8%) developed IH, the majority through the jejunojejunostomy (JJ, 3.7%) and Petersen (1.7%) defects. With improvement of closure technique, the incidence decreased over time, from 12.9% in the group with separate sutures to 1.05% in the most recent group with running non-absorbable sutures and an additional purse-string at the JJ defect (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Meticulous closure of MD during RYGB is a very important step that significantly reduces the IH risk after RYGB, even with a retrocolic/retrogastric anatomy. Using running non absorbable braided sutures and an additional purse-string suture at the JJ is the most effective technique, but a small IH risk persists. A high index of suspicion remains necessary in patients who present with acute abdominal pain after RYGB.

Double Internal Hernia: Laparoscopic Resolution.

Gastric bypass surgery is a common and effective procedure for obesity and associated comorbidities. However, long-term complications, such as internal hernias, can pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Internal hernias after gastric bypass are rare but can lead to severe complications, including volvulus and bowel ischemia. Understanding the anatomical variations and employing laparoscopic techniques for resolution are crucial in managing these cases.

Rare strangulated intenal hernia following extraperitoneal colostomy for rectal cancer operation: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Few cases of intestinal obstruction after colostomy are caused by internal hernia. Some institutions perform stomas through the extraperitoneal route because some patients experience an internal hernia outside the stoma performed through the intraperitoneal route. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 72-year-old woman presented with a history of laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (APR). A sigmoid colostomy was performed via the extraperitoneal route during APR. One month after APR, the patient presented to the emergency department of our hospital with abdominal pain and vomiting. Computed tomography revealed that the small intestine had passed through the extraperitoneal tunnel, resulting in strangulated intestinal obstruction, and emergency laparotomy was performed. During surgery, the ileum passed behind the elevated sigmoid colon in a caudal-to-cranial direction and formed an unusual closed loop. The strangulated part of the small intestine showed ischemic change; however, the intestine quickly normalized soon after strangulation was released, and the operation was completed without resection of the intestine. DISCUSSION: The major cause of intestinal obstruction after colostomy is intraperitoneal adhesion. Looseness of the elevated sigmoid colon can cause internal hernia, if under pneumoperitoneum, when a colostomy is created through the extraperitoneal route in laparoscopic APR. Furthermore, the patient had lost more than 5 kg of body weight after the surgery, which may have led to the looseness of the elevated sigmoid colon. CONCLUSION: Releasing the pneumoperitoneum during the elevation of the sigmoid colon is necessary to prevent internal hernia, even with a colostomy performed through the extraperitoneal route.1.

Laparoscopically treated bowel obstruction secondary to a lesser omental hernia resulting from a previous laparoscopic total colectomy for ulcerative colitis: A report of two cases.

Lesser omental hernias are rare; however, they should be considered in symptomatic bowel obstruction subsequent to a subtotal or total colectomy. This report describes two cases of recurrent bowel obstruction secondary to lesser omental hernias after laparoscopic total colectomies for ulcerative colitis. Initially, these patients had been treated conservatively; however, due to symptom recurrence, surgical intervention was decided on. In both cases, laparoscopic surgery revealed lesser omental hernias. The small bowel, which had entered from the dorsal aspect of the stomach, was returned to the original position, and the lesser omentum was closed. The patients were discharged uneventfully, with no recurrent bowel obstruction during the follow-up period. These cases highlight the importance of including internal hernias in the differential diagnosis relative to recurrent bowel obstruction, in patient subpopulations with a prior history of a subtotal or total colectomy. Confirmation by computed tomography is preferable.

Cecal bascule presenting as internal hernia.

Cecal bascule, a rare subtype of cecal volvulus, presents diagnostic and management challenges. We report a case of cecal bascule presenting as an internal hernia in a 68-year-old male with no surgical history. Computed tomography revealed two areas of mesenteric swirling and a displaced cecum. Prompt surgical intervention included laparoscopic exploration, resection of a necrotic adhesive band, and cecopexy. This case is noteworthy because of the absence of predisposing factors like prior surgeries or inflammatory conditions. Management options for cecal bascule include resection and cecopexy, tailored to individual patient factors. Awareness among healthcare providers is crucial for the timely recognition and appropriate management of such cases. Further research is needed to refine management strategies and improve outcomes for these rare but potentially life-threatening conditions.

Case report: Small bowel obstruction secondary to congenital transmesenteric internal hernia in a cat.

An 8-month-old castrated male British Shorthair cat presented with acute anorexia and vomiting. The overall clinical presentation included generalized depression. Physical examination revealed palpable abdominal mass, thus foreign body or intussusception was suspected. Abdominal radiographs showed segmental dilation of small intestine and ultrasonography revealed target lesion with dilated small bowel loops and disrupted normal wall layering, suggestive of intussusception. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed congenital mesenteric defects associated with small intestinal obstruction. Surgical intervention involved dissection, ligation of encircling blood vessels, and closure of mesenteric defects. The cat was discharged after 3 days, exhibiting normal postoperative recovery. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of congenital mesenteric defect associated with small intestinal obstruction in a cat. While internal hernias are rare, it is essential to include them in the differential diagnosis for cases of intestinal obstruction, particularly in patients with no history of previous surgery or trauma. The potential for strangulation and ischemia in the affected loops elevates internal hernias to a critical, life-threatening condition, emphasizing the need for prompt recognition and urgent surgical intervention as an emergency.

Internal hernia through the Treitz fossa after robotic pancreatoduodenectomy: pathogenesis and preventive measures.

Internal hernia through the Treitz fossa following robotic pancreatoduodenectomy is a rare but potentially serious complication. In our review of 328 cases of robotic pancreatoduodenectomies, two patients (0.6%) required repeat surgery due to internal herniation of the entire small bowel through the Treitz fossa. This complication can present as afferent loop syndrome, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension, possibly leading to cholangitis and pancreatitis. Timely diagnosis and intervention are paramount, as conservative management often fails. Preventive measures involve closing the peritoneal defect in the Treitz fossa at the end of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy, particularly in lean patients with thin mesentery who are at increased risk of internal hernia due to increased mobility of the small bowel. This technical note elucidates the pathogenesis of Treitz hernia following robotic pancreatoduodenectomy and underscores the importance of closing the peritoneal breach to prevent this rare yet potentially serious complication.

Long-term (11 Years) Results of Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass: Changes in Weight, Blood Levels of Sugar and Lipids, and Late Adverse Effects : Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Results.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) remains the most effective procedure to treat severe obesity with proven short- and intermediate-term benefits. The main goal is to describe the effects on weight and biochemical laboratory tests after long-term follow-up (11 years). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort of adults with obesity treated with LRYGB between 2004 and 2010 in one center were studied. Patients with prior bariatric or upper digestive tract surgery, hiatal hernia >4 cm, alcoholism, or decompensated conditions were excluded. The study enrolled 123 patients, with a mean follow-up of 133±29 months and a 14% loss of participants. RESULTS: The percentage of Total Weight Loss (%TWL) at one, five, and eleven years was 30.3±8.4%, 29.1±6.9%, and 23.4±7%, respectively. Of the patients, 61.3% (65/106) maintained a %TWL≥20 after eleven years. Recurrent Weight Gain (RWG) at five and eleven years was 2.6±11.4% and 11 ±11.5%, respectively. At the end of the follow-up, 31.1% (33/106) of patients had RWG≥15%. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia improved in 85.7% (54/63) and 90.2% (7/61) of the cohort, respectively. Remission of diabetes occurred in 80% of this subgroup. Gallstones developed in 28% of patients, and bowel obstruction due to internal hernia occurred in 9.4%. Anemia due to iron deficiency appeared in 25 patients. CONCLUSION: After surgery, there is a significant and durable loss of weight, with a tendency for late Recurrent Weight Gain. Furthermore, the improvement in biochemical parameters is sustained over time, but surgery's adverse effects may appear later.

Mesocolic hernia, a case series.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Paraduodenal hernias are difficult to diagnose due to their unusual presentation. Herein, five new cases are added to the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: Four male and one female child complained of paraduodenal hernias, two on the right side and three on the left side. The intestinal part that herniated inside the hernia sac was also malrotated in four patients. One patient had Meckel's diverticulum with a herniated intestine. One infant had extrahepatic biliary disease, a single atrium, polysplenia, intestinal malrotation, and a left paraduodenal hernia. Exploratory labarotomy was done for reduction of the intestine, reorientation, and repair of hernia orifices. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Paraduodenal hernia is a component of malrotation. Cautious dissection of the hernia orifice is required to keep away from injuries to the inferior mesenteric vein or left colic artery in the course of the restoration of the left paraduodenal hernia. Also, the superior mesenteric vessels may be injured in the course of the restoration of the right paraduodenal hernia. CONCLUSION: There is a correlation between the occurrence of PDH with malrotation. The diagnosis of malrotation can be made with an ultrasound abdomen; however, it is true that ultrasound cannot make a confirmed diagnosis in all patients. Once the diagnosis of a mesocolic hernia has occurred, surgical repair is mandatory by closure of the defect.

Internal hernia as cause of acute abdomen in a preterm neonate: when necrotizing enterocolitis is not the culprit.

Internal hernias in preterm neonates, although rare, can arise due to various anatomical and physiological factors associated with prematurity. We report a case of a preterm infant with symptoms of suspected necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) that turned out to be an internal hernia during surgical exploration. Given the overlapping symptoms, it is crucial to maintain a high index of suspicion and utilize the appropriate imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or radiographic studies, to aid in the differentiation between NEC and internal hernia, especially when responding to cases that do not improve with standard NEC management or exhibit atypical features. Early recognition and accurate differentiation are crucial for appropriate management and prevention of complications in affected neonates.

Petersen's Hernia in a Pregnant Woman Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery: The Importance of Emergency Surgical Treatment.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients are at risk of creating potential spaces for possible internal hernias during the procedure. During pregnancy, the pregnant uterus elevates the bowel, increasing intra-abdominal pressure. Cases reported to date have described mild abdominal pain and no evidence of peritoneal irritation, with inconclusive ultrasound and MRI findings for diagnosis of Petersen's hernia. We present the case of a 42-year-old female patient with a history of RYGB eight years earlier without complications, with a pregnancy of 34 weeks of gestation. Symptomatology began with colicky abdominal pain in the epigastric, with irradiation to the right upper quadrant. On physical examination, revealed a painful abdomen on the median and deep palpation in the epigastric and right upper quadrant, the rest of the studies were inconclusive. As there was no improvement of the symptoms in 12 hours, an emergency diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, finding a strangulated Petersen's hernia requiring resection, with the closure of the gastric pouch, intestinal anastomosis, and Stamm gastrostomy with closure of the mesenteric gap. Therefore, a pregnant patient presenting with upper quadrant abdominal pain with a history of RYGB, even one with normal labs and imaging, should be assumed to have an internal hernia until proven otherwise. The emergency surgical approach is associated with early resolution and prevents its progression with catastrophic results.

Surgical Management of Pericaecal Hernia in a Virgin Abdomen.

Internal hernia is an uncommon cause of mechanical small bowel obstruction. This case report details a 66-year-old Chinese male with no prior abdominal surgeries who presented with colicky abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and vomiting. Initial investigations were unyielding, but escalating symptoms prompted a diagnostic laparoscopy. Laparotomy then revealed a closed-loop obstruction through a lateral type pericecal hernia, with a segment of ischemic jejunum. Adhesion bands in the right iliac fossa and a congenital hernia orifice in the mesentery were identified and addressed. The patient recovered well postoperatively. This discussion explores the Meyer's classification of pericecal hernias, potential etiologies, clinical manifestations, diagnostic considerations, and the choice between laparoscopic and open surgeries. This case underscores the importance of a high index of suspicion, prompt surgical intervention, and the diagnostic utility of laparoscopy in managing pericecal hernias.

Two cases of strangulated bowel obstruction due to exposed vessel and nerve after laparoscopic and robot-assisted lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) for rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The majority of small bowel obstructions (SBO) are caused by adhesion due to abdominal surgery. Internal hernias, a very rare cause of SBO, can arise from exposed blood vessels and nerves during pelvic lymphadenectomy (PL). In this report, we present two cases of SBO following laparoscopic and robot-assisted lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) for rectal cancer, one case each, of which obstructions were attributed to the exposure of blood vessels and nerves during the procedures. CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1: A 68-year-old man underwent laparoscopic perineal rectal amputation and LLND for rectal cancer. Four years and three months after surgery, he visited to the emergency room with a chief complaint of left groin pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a closed-loop in the left pelvic cavity. We performed an open surgery to find that the small intestine was fitted into the gap between the left obturator nerve and the left pelvic wall, which was exposed by LLND. The intestine was not resected because coloration and peristalsis of the intestine improved after the hernia was released. The obturator nerve was preserved. Case 2: A 57-year-old man underwent a robot-assisted rectal amputation with LLND for rectal cancer. Eight months after surgery, he presented to the emergency room with a complaint of abdominal pain. CT revealed a closed-loop in the right pelvic cavity, and he underwent a laparoscopic surgery with a diagnosis of strangulated SBO. The small intestine was strangulated by an internal hernia caused by the right umbilical arterial cord, which was exposed by LLND. The incarcerated small intestine was released from the gap between the umbilical arterial cord and the pelvic wall. No bowel resection was performed. The umbilical arterial cord causing the internal hernia was resected. CONCLUSION: Although strangulated SBO due to an exposed intestinal cord after PL has been a rare condition to date, it is crucial for surgeons to keep this condition in mind.

Strangulated Bowel Obstruction Due to Hiatal Hernia After Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy.

Laparoscopic total gastrectomy results in more internal hernias than open surgery. However, there are few reports of incarcerated hiatal hernia after laparoscopic total gastrectomy. Here, we report a case of a 79-year-old male who underwent urgent surgical intervention for a strangulated intestinal obstruction due to an incarcerated hernia through the esophageal hiatus following laparoscopic total gastrectomy. In this case, an esophageal hiatal hernia was present before gastrectomy, but was not repaired. Additionally, the patient experienced significant weight loss after gastrectomy. Preoperative hiatal hernia and marked postoperative weight loss may pose risks.