Internal hernia. Report of nine cases

Summary Internal abdominal hernias are rare and develop when one or more viscera protrude through an intraperitoneal orifice while remaining within the peritoneal cavity. This orifice may be normal (Winslow's foramen) or paranormal (peritoneal fossae); these hernias possess a sac and are true hernias. Protrusion may be through a pathologic hole, without a sac, realizing an internal prolapse or procidentia. The clinical diagnosis is always difficult and leads to an urgent operation for intestinal obstruction. The treatment is often simple and the results are generally excellent.