Delayed presentation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia manifesting as combined-type acute gastric volvulus: a case report and review of the literature

Acute gastric volvulus associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia is an unusual surgical emergency. We describe a case of an 11-year-old girl who presented with a 4-day history of abdominal pain, nonproductive retching, cough, and shortness of breath. A chest radiograph revealed a large air-fluid level in left hemithorax and the presence of intestinal loops with marked mediastinal deviation. Nasogastric decompression was unsuccessful. Via a thoracoscopic approach, the large fluid-filled stomach was percutaneously decompressed but could not be reduced. Through a left subcostal incision, a left-sided diaphragmatic defect about 4 × 5 cm was encountered. A large portion of small intestines, ascending and transverse colon, strangulated but viable stomach, and a large spleen herniated through the defect. The contents were reduced, revealing a combined gastric volvulus. Once the diaphragmatic defect was repaired primarily, there was insufficient space in the abdominal cavity to contain all the viscera reduced form the chest. Therefore, we placed an AlloDerm patch on the fascia and closed with a wound V.A.C (Kinetic Concepts Inc, San Antonio, TX). Two weeks later, the wound was definitively closed; she recovered uneventfully and was discharged home 3 days later. To our knowledge, only 26 previous cases of acute gastric volvulus complicating a congenital diaphragmatic hernia in children have been reported in the literature. Our patient represents the 27th case and the first combined type acute gastric volvulus case.     

The simultaneous repair of an Irreducible Diaphragmatic Hernia while carrying out a Cesarean Section

INTRODUCTIONDiaphragmatic hernia complicating pregnancy rarely occurs while it is frequently misdiagnosed.PRESENTATION OF CASEA pregnant woman who had suffered from recurrent right upper-quadrant abdominal pain for 4 months was hospitalized near full term because the unrelieved abdominal pain was so severe that she couldn’t lie down. Following the emergency caesarean, we found a part of the transverse colon and a part of omentum were trapped in the thorax through a 3 cm by 3 cm laceration in the patient's diaphragm. We removed all trapped intestine which was about 40 cm long and repaired diaphragmatic hernia at the same time.DISCUSSIONRadiography is useful to diagonisis diaphragmatic hernia, but it had little use for pregnant women. An irreducible diaphragmatic hernia represent a surgical emergency irrespective of fetal maturity. In our case, she had her hernia repaired just during caesarean section by laparotomy.CONCLUSIONCareful examination and a timely operation are needed to treat diaphragmatic hernia complicating pregnancy.     

Anaesthetic management of a craniopagus conjoined twin delivery

We report the successful caesarean delivery of craniopagus conjoined twins in a 21-year-old using a neuraxial technique. Early diagnosis at 19⁺⁵ weeks of gestation enabled thorough multidisciplinary antepartum planning. The multidisciplinary approach aimed to reduce maternal and fetal morbidity. Teams involved in the delivery included the specialities of obstetrics, neonatology, anaesthesia, paediatric neurosurgery and radiology. The delivery was complicated by an anterior placenta. The obstetricians used a J-shaped incision avoiding the placenta and making space for the fetal heads at delivery. Regional anaesthesia was used successfully in this case; although plans had been made should the mother need general anaesthesia intra-operatively. At delivery there were 17 members of the multidisciplinary team present in the operating theatre. They were from five specialities from two separate hospitals. We discuss the anaesthetic considerations for the delivery of conjoined twins and the multidisciplinary approach used in this case.     

Strangulated paraumbilical hernia-An unusual complication of a Meckel's diverticulum

INTRODUCTIONMeckel's diverticulum is the commonest congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract. Most are asymptomatic but can rarely present with varies forms of intestinal obstruction.PRESENTATION OF CASEWe present an unusual case of an elderly African woman with a massive strangulated paraumbilical hernia as a complication from a Meckel's diverticulum.DISCUSSIONMeckel's diverticulum presenting as a strangulated paraumbilical hernia is uncommon and can be difficult to diagnose. It is often only found intraoperatively. Delay in referral due to poor access can potentially lead to adverse outcome.CONCLUSIONAlthough uncommon, a through clinical assessment is of paramount importance and timely operative intervention must occur in order to provide the best outcome for these patients.     

Bilateral congenital inguinal hernia with right-sided Amyand's hernia in a premature twin: Case report and a summary of clinical presentations,management and outcomes in neonates and infants with Amyand's hernia

Introduction and importanceCongenital hernias occur 70% on the right side, 25% on the left side, and approximately 5% bilaterally. The finding of a congenital Amyand's hernia is of interest, especially in patients who do not present risk factors associated with connective tissue disorders, ascitic conditions, fetal developmental disorders or any condition that increases abdominal pressure.Case presentationMale patient, 6 months old, was brought to the pediatric surgery department due to a visible mass in the bilateral inguinal region, which protruded with crying. The parents report that he was a 36-week preterm, low birth weight, monochorionic monoamniotic twin with bilateral congenital inguinal hernia. An open herniorrhaphy was performed, showing a left communicating hydrocele with an indirect left inguinal hernia and right communicating hydrocele with indirect inguinal hernia containing cecal appendix with no signs of inflammation.Clinical discussionThe most common clinical presentation is the presence of a reducible or irreducible mass, erythema and/or inguino-scrotal edema, irritability manifested by crying and recurrent pain in older infants. This condition may be associated with cryptorchidism, intrauterine structural developmental disorder, and the presence of fistulas. Appendectomy and traditional hernia reduction are the most common surgical approach. The evolution of this condition is favorable with extremely low complication rates.ConclusionAmyand's hernia in the neonate is a rare presenting condition, which frequently involves nearby structures with risk of inflammation, incarceration and perforation, so repair should be performed early.     

Amyand's hernia a case report

Introduction and importanceAmyand's hernia (AH) is a form of inguinal hernia which is consider as very rare and this type of hernia occurred up to 1% of all inguinal hernia cases. In this type of inguinal hernia, the content of hernia sac is appendix. Most patient with AH often remains asymptomatic and diagnosed intraoperatively. The diagnosis is challenging, since needs a high index of suspicion and imaging is key. Surgery is the mainstay management. We report a case of Amyand's hernia that was managed operatively in our medium complex public institution.Case presentationA 28 year's old man with normal body mass index (BMI) who had a history of right-side reducible linguino-scrotal swelling for 8 years, was admitted for elective right inguinal hernia repair. Two weeks back before admission, he noticed that swelling was slightly painful. Ultrasound of the abdomen reported normal findings. There was no history of abdominal pain and vomiting. Laboratory parameters were within normal limit. So, with a diagnosis of right sided partially reducible, incomplete, and indirect inguinal hernia, patient was operated for open hernia repair surgery, intra operatively we found dense adhesions within the sac, adhesions were released which revealed herniation of appendix into the inguinal canal. Appendix was mildly congested without gross evidence of inflammation. Hence, in view of noninflamed appendix, preperitoneal mesh (polypropylene) hernioplasty from Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair was performed with appendicectomy. Postoperative period was uneventful, patient discharged at second day.Clinical discussionAmyand's hernia is very uncommon and characterized by the presence of the appendix in the hernia sac and it is 0.4–1% of all inguinal hernia cases, literature review also showed that incidence of Amyand's hernia is very rare, whereas only 0.1% of cases complicate into acute appendicitis due to late presentation and missed diagnosis.ConclusionAmyand's hernia (AH) makes up only a small proportion of most inguinal hernia cases, and its diagnosis is usually based on incidental finding intra-operatively. This condition may remain asymptomatic and behave like a normal inguinal hernia. Management of this type of hernia should be individualized according to appendix's inflammation stage, presence of abdominal sepsis and co-morbidity. With this approach it enables surgeons to manage more variations of Amyand's hernia. Laparoscopy for dealing Amyand's hernia is frequently diagnostic as well as therapeutic.     

A case of congenital diaphragmatic hernia with a hernia sac attached to the liver: hints for an early embryological insult

We describe here the unusual operative findings in a case of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). A neonate antenatally diagnosed as having CDH was operated via a left subcostal incision. The operative findings included a large central diaphragmatic defect of 5 × 5 cm, lined by a thick sac. The contents of the hernia included the stomach, spleen, and loops of the small and large intestine. The left side of the liver was thinned out and forming a part of the dome of the sac of the CDH. Vessels of the hepatic tissue were in continuity with the sac. There were scattered liver tissues forming cords in the sac lining. These findings were confirmed by histopathologic examinations. These findings have not been reported earlier in humans and might help to elucidate the embryology of the development of the diaphragm.Our findings suggest that this kind of defect occurs early in development, and we hypothesize that it is associated with a poorer prognosis.     

Adult right-sided Bochdalek hernia with ileo-cecal appendix: Almeida-Reis hernia

INTRODUCTIONBochdalek hernia is one of the most common congenital abnormalities manifested in infants. In the adult is a rarity, with a prevalence of 0.17–6% of all diaphragmatic hernias. Right-sided Bochdalek hernias containing colon are even more rare, with no case described in the literature with ileo-cecal appendix.PRESENTATION OF CASEThe authors present a case of a right-sided Bochdalek hernia in an adult female of 49 years old, presented with severe respiratory failure. During laparotomy for hernia correction, were found in an intrathoracic position the cecum and ileo-cecal appendix, the right colon and the transverse colon.DISCUSSIONAlthough useful in patient evaluation, clinical history and physical examination are not helpful in making diagnosis because of their nonspecific character. CT scan is the most accurate exam for making diagnosis. Most of the times there is no hernial sac. Surgery is the treatment of choice, and it is always indicated even if asymptomatic. In general suture of the defect is possible. Due to patient's weak respiratory function we chose laparotomy by Kocher incision.CONCLUSIONBeing the first case of a right-sided Bochdalek hernia in the adult with a herniated ileo-cecal appendix, we name it Almeida-Reis hernia.     

Diaphragmatic rupture during labor

Diaphragmatic rupture during labor is uncommon and generally occurs in patients with a history of congenital diaphragmatic hernia or traumatic abdominal or chest injury. We present a case of a 41-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain, vomiting and hypoventilation four days after a full-term home delivery. Chest radiography suggested the presence of a ruptured diaphragm, and laparotomy revealed a congenital left Bochdalek defect with herniation of the stomach, transverse colon and spleen into the left pleural cavity. Diaphragmatic hernia rupture during labor is a serious but rare complication that requires emergency surgery to prevent visceral perforation and cardio-respiratory failure.     

Iatrogenic gastric perforation in a misdiagnosed case of late presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Report of an avoidable complication

IntroductionCongenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a defect in diaphragm which usually presents with severe respiratory distress in neonatal period.Presentation of caseWe present a case of congenital diaphragmatic hernia presenting at an age of 2.5 years in a male child. It was misdiagnosed as a case of pyothorax for which chest tube was attempted on left side resulting in iatrogenic gastric perforation. The patient was managed by early and prompt surgery.DiscussionLate presentation is usually rare with vast array of respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. It often leads to clinical and radiological misdiagnosis.ConclusionSurgical intervention in misdiagnosed cases can lead to catastrophic iatrogenic complications.     

Internal hernia through a peritoneal defect in the pouch of Douglas: Report of a case

INTRODUCTIONInternal hernia is a rare entity which can cause intestinal obstruction. The most common type of internal hernia is the paraduodenal hernia which accounts for 53% of cases, and the internal hernia within the pelvis account for 7%. Perineal hernia, which is classified as pelvic hernia, usually occurs due to weakening of the pelvic floor musculature and thus, should be distinguished from the internal hernia caused by peritoneal defects in the pelvic cavity.PRESENTATION OF CASEWe present a case of 28-year-old female who presented intestinal obstruction. Conservative therapies failed and she required emergency laparotomy. The operative findings revealed a peritoneal defect of 2 cm in diameter in the pouch of Douglas, through which the ileum was incarcerated and strangulated. The incarcerated bowel was reduced, and the intestinal color quickly returned to normal. Therefore a primary closure of the peritoneal defect was performed and the postoperative course was uneventful.DISCUSSIONA PubMed search for the case of internal hernia through a defect in the pouch of Douglas revealed only three, making this an extremely rare condition.CONCLUSIONBecause of rarity of this hernia, the etiology is unknown. However, our patient is a young female with no history of pregnancy, abdominal surgery, or trauma, therefore the cause of the peritoneal defect is considered congenital.     

Left Sided Amyand’s Hernia, A Rare Occurance: A Case Report

This is a case report about a 35 year old man admitted with complains of obstructed left sided inguinal hernia. On exploration of the left inguinal canal to our surprise a normal appendix was found in addition to a gangrenous omentum. Resection of the gangrenous omentum was done. Appendectomy was done. This case is reported for its rare occurance as only three such cases of left sided amyand's hernia has been reported so far in literature[4–6].     

A rare case of a strangulated Littre’s hernia with Meckel’s diverticulum duplication. Case report and literature review

IntroductionThe Meckel’s diverticulum (MD) is the most common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract present in approximately 1–4% of the population; the MD duplication is exceedingly rare with only a few reports of it. Here we present the firs case of a strangulated Littre’s hernia with MD duplication.Presentation of caseA 30-year-old male presented to the emergency room with clinical signs of small bowel obstruction, at physical examination, a right incarcerated inguinal hernia with erythema was found. We did a laparotomy, and two MD were found, one in the sac with ischemia, and the other 90 cm from the Bahuińs valve. A diverticulectomy of the ischemic diverticulum was done, and the other MD was left in place; the inguinal region was repaired with a Lichtenstein technique.DiscussionThe complications of the MD are 3–4 times more frequent in men, been an intestinal obstruction, hemorrhage, diverticulitis, ulceration, and perforation. A Littrés hernia is when the MD is found in the sac; this is seen in the inguinal region in 50% of the cases. The management of a Littre’s hernia is the resection of the MD; it could be done by an intestinal resection or by a diverticulectomy accordingly to the Park criteria.ConclusionAs to our knowledge, this is the first case of an incarcerated Littre’s hernia with duplication of a Meckel’s diverticulum.     

Is this a mediastinal tumor? A case of Morgagni hernia complicated with intestinal incarceration mistaken for the mediastinal lipoma previously

INTRODUCTIONMorgagni's hernia is a congenital herniation of abdominal viscera into the thoracic cavity through a retrosternal diaphragmatic defect.PRESENTATION OF CASEWe present a case of incarcerated Morgagni hernia in a 69-year-old woman. Three years previously, she had undertaken a video-assisted thoracoscopic resection (VATS) of a mediastinal mass, which had been mistaken for a lipoma. Following the primary repair of the hernia at emergency laparotomy, the patient was discharged home uneventfully.DISCUSSIONIrrespective of the radiologically characteristic findings of our case, the possibility of Morgagni hernia had not been entertained at the first operation. Thorough exploration around the diaphragm at the first VATS operation could have revealed the Morgagni hernia, ultimately avoiding the hernia-related complication such as an incarceration.CONCLUSIONMorgagni hernia as a differential diagnosis in case of anterior mediastinal mass should not be missed.     

Case report: Caesarean scar endometriosis – A rare entity

Introduction and importanceCaesarean scar endometriosis (CSE) is a rare form of endometriosis due to previous surgical scars from obstetrical and gynecological procedures. The incidence of CSE was 0.08% and quite difficult to diagnose.Case presentationA 37-year-old multiparous woman came with intermittent pain in her lower left abdominal region and lump with a bluish color and solid consistency on the left side of the caesarean scar. Ultrasounds findings show a solid mass, measured 45 × 40 × 39 mm with neovascularization color score: 4. In April 2021, we performed mass resection, intraoperatively we found solid mass with no adhesion and infiltration found. Histological examination results confirm external endometriosis from the mass and the fascia was free from endometriosis. The symptoms reported relief after the procedure.Clinical discussionScar endometriosis is largely related to previous abdominal surgery like caesarean section, the mass increase in size during menses and becomes symptomatic. CSE develop ranging 12 months to 21 years and could mimic other hernias or tumor, that's why careful and precise examination is needed. The imaging modality we use in this case was ultrasonography which is the best and most accessible, reliable and cost-effective to diagnose. We performed large surgical excision of the lesion with reconstruction of damaged tissue to prevent recurrence and conversion to malignancy.ConclusionCaesarean scar endometriosis should be considered in women of reproductive age with lower abdominal pain and/or mass at the caesarean scar from previous delivery or following obstetric-gynecologic surgery.     

Pregnancy After Kidney Transplantation

BackgroundPregnancy after kidney transplantation is an uncommon event. In addition to the risk to the child and the mother, pregnancy has a certain risk for the transplanted kidney.MethodsWe made a retrospective analysis of pregnancy and kidney function over a 49-year period in women with transplanted kidneys monitored at the National Transplant Centre, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.ResultsWe analyzed 22 pregnancies in 18 women (26-39 years old) 78 ± 37 months after transplantation. Serum creatinine before conception was 92 ± 26 μmol/L; 3 years after delivery, it was 117 ± 67 μmol/L. There were no rejections during pregnancy. Three rejections occurred in the first 9 months after delivery. The median duration of pregnancies was 37 weeks. Preeclampsia occurred in 4 women and severe eclampsia occurred in 2 women. In 19 cases, delivery was by caesarean section. One child was born with trisomy of chromosome 21 and 3 children were born with minor congenital anomalies.ConclusionsRenal function and proteinuria did not deteriorate 3 years after pregnancy, even after 2 pregnancies. Rejections in the early post-pregnancy period were common. Preeclampsia was more frequent than in the average population. The incidence of major congenital anomalies was comparable to that seen in pregnant women without immunosuppression.     

Paraduodenal herniation: An internal herniation in a virgin abdomen

INTRODUCTION

A paraduodenal hernia is an uncommon hernia that results from an abnormal rotation of the midgut. Commonly, these hernias are congenital in nature, and are reported to cause 1.5–5.8% of intestinal obstructions. These hernias occur when a part of the jejunum herniates through the posterior portion of the ligament of Treitz. Diagnosing these hernias preoperatively has been shown to be difficult, despite the studies that are available. Early diagnosis is imperative to the patient in order to avoid strangulation of the bowel, which is associated with a high mortality.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

In this case, we present a case of a left-sided paraduodenal hernia in a virgin abdomen in a 38-year-old African American male with a herniation of a loop of jejunum through a defect of the posterior portion of the ligament of Treitz. The patient also had a volvulized segment of the proximal jejunum, and part of this bowel was found to be ischemic.

DISCUSSION

Acute intestinal obstruction caused by a left paraduodenal hernia is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. A literary search of PubMed between 1980 and 2012 indicated only 44 cases of intestinal obstruction secondary to a left paraduodenal hernia.

CONCLUSION

The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, and the herniated bowel was found to be ischemic. The hernia was reduced, and the ischemic bowel resected. The defect was closed, and the patient had a non-complicated recovery.     

Dual mesh repair for a large diaphragmatic hernia defect: An unusual case report

IntroductionDiaphragmatic hernia secondary to traumatic rupture is a rare entity which can occur after stab wound injuries or blunt abdominal traumas. We aimed to report successfully management of dual mesh repair for a large diaphragmatic defect.Case reportA 66-year-old male was admitted with a right sided diaphragmatic hernia which occurred ten years ago due to a traffic accident. He had abdominal pain with worsened breath. Chest X-ray showed an elevated right diaphragm. Further, thoraco-abdominal computerized tomography detected herniation a part of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, and omentum to the right hemi-thorax. It was decided to diaphragmatic hernia repair. After an extended right subcostal laparotomy, a giant right sided diaphragmatic defect measuring 25 × 15 cm was found in which the liver, gallbladder, stomach and omentum were herniated. The abdominal organs were reducted to their normal anatomic position and a dual mesh graft was laid to close the diaphragmatic defect. Patients’ postoperative course was uneventful.DiscussionDiaphragmatic hernia secondary to trauma is more common on the left side of the diaphragm (left/right = 3/1). A right sided diaphragmatic hernia including liver, stomach, gallbladder and omentum is extremely rare. The main treatment of diaphragmatic hernias is primary repair after reduction of the herniated organs to their anatomical position. However, in the existence of a large hernia defect where primary repair is not possible, a dual mesh should be considered.ConclusionA dual mesh repair can be used successfully in extensive large diaphragmatic hernia defects when primary closure could not be achieved.     

Incidentally detected splenogonadal fusion in a laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair operation: A case report

IntroductionSplenogonadal fusion (SGF) is a rare congenital malformation in which the spleen is connected to the gonad. Few SGF cases have been reported in the English scientific literature, and we are unaware of any previous case reports of SGF with inguinal hernia by laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP). Here, we report a case of SGF that was incidentally detected during a TAPP procedure, with an uneventful postoperative course without complications.Presentation of caseA 76-year-old male presented with a 10-year history of left inguinal swelling. He was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia, and we performed TAPP. Laparoscopy revealed the left inguinal hernia and two reddish-purple masses, one located close to the left inguinal ring. A cord of soft tissue extended cranially from the mass to the spleen, and passed through the left internal inguinal ring caudally. We cut the cord for mesh placement and to make an accurate diagnosis of the mass. Pathological and intraoperative findings indicated a diagnosis of continuous SGF.DiscussionWe observed two important clinical issues in this case. First, the potential for incidental diagnoses of SGF may be increasing. Second, to our knowledge, this is the first case report of a patient with SGF identified by TAPP. Such a therapeutic strategy for incidentally detected SGF has not been described; here we report a successful experience.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with SGF diagnosed by a TAPP procedure. The postoperative course was uneventful using our method.     

An unusual presentation of perforated appendicitis in epigastric region

INTRODUCTION

Atypical presentations of appendix have been reported including backache, left lower quadrant pain and groin pain from a strangulated femoral hernia containing the appendix. We report a case presenting an epigastric pain that was diagnosed after computed tomography as a perforated appendicitis on intestinal malrotation.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 27-year-old man was admitted with a three-day history of epigastric pain. Physical examination revealed tenderness and defense on palpation of epigastric region. There was a left subcostal incision with the history of diaphragmatic hernia repair when the patient was 3 days old. He had an intestinal malrotation with the cecum fixed at the epigastric region and the inflamed appendix extending beside the left lobe of liver.

DISCUSSION

While appendicitis is the most common abdominal disease requiring surgical intervention seen in the emergency room setting, intestinal malrotation is relatively uncommon. When patients with asymptomatic undiagnosed gastrointestinal malrotation clinically present with abdominal pain, accurate diagnosis and definitive therapy may be delayed, possibly increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSION

Atypical presentations of acute appendicitis should be kept in mind in patients with abdominal pain in emergency room especially in patients with previous childhood operation for diaphragmatic hernia.