[Congenital transmesenteric hernia].

INTRODUCTION

Acute intestinal obstruction due to congenital defects in the mesentery of the small bowel are quite uncommon. The most frequent location of the defect is the mesentery of the terminal ileum.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Five cases of small bowel obstruction caused by congenital transmesenteric hernia was reviewed.

RESULTS

Four were male and all patients had an intestinal obstructive disease, small bowel gangrene and peritonitis. Two patients died.

DISCUSSION AND

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis is difficult and most cases recorded until today are incidental findings on laparotomy and surgical treatment is mandatory.