LEFT PARADUODENAL HERNIA: UNMASKING AN UNDER RECOGNIZED CAUSE OF ACUTE ABDOMEN

Abstract

Internal abdominal hernias are infrequent causes (1-4%) of intestinal obstruction, making them difficult to diagnose. Paraduodenal hernias represent up to 53% of all internal hernias. Although internal hernias are rare, they should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain, particularly in patients who have no history of previous surgery or trauma. Internal hernias pose a serious risk as they can lead to strangulation and ischemia of the affected intestinal segments, necessitating prompt identification and management as a surgical emergency. Diagnosis primarily relies on imaging, with computed tomography being the preferred initial technique due to its ability to provide detailed, multiplanar reformatted images. We hereby report a case of a patient who underwent open surgical intervention for an internal hernia in an emergency setting, achieving a favorable clinical outcome. This case underscores the importance of diagnosing this rare disease to avoid unnecessary hospital stays and surgeries when evaluating acute abdominal conditions.