Internal hernia through the broad ligament presenting with acute on chronic intestinal obstruction: A case report.

BACKGROUND

Internal hernias are rare. Their occurrence through the broad ligament is one of the rarest forms. We present a report of a 45 year Nigerian female with acute on chronic intestinal obstruction due to an internal hernia of the broad ligament.

METHODS

Patients case notes and a review of relevant literature using manual library and Medline search was used.

RESULTS

A 45-year-old multiparous woman presented with a ten-year history of features of partial intestinal obstruction, and no previous abdominal surgery. Examination revealed right iliac fossa tenderness and a plain abdominal radiograph showed air fluid levels. Conservative management was not successful and laparatomy confirmed an internal hernia of the right broad ligament which was repaired with satisfactory outcome.

CONCLUSION

This report is to highlight the fact that though rare, internal hernia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intestinal obstruction.