Case Report: Right paraduodenal hernia – a unique case of rare internal hernia presenting as acute small bowel obstruction

Abstract

Paraduodenal hernia, a rare internal hernia, is an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction. We present a case report of a 45-year-old male presenting to the emergency department with complaints suggestive of small bowel obstruction. Abdominal plain X-ray was also suggestive of small bowel obstruction. Emergency laparotomy showed intraoperative findings of right sided paraduodenal hernia with dilated small bowel. Postoperative hospital stay was uneventful and the patient was doing well during 24 months of follow up with no active complaints. Paraduodenal hernia should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of small bowel obstruction in patients who have repeated attacks and no prior history of abdominal surgery. Surgeons need to have an astute clinical acumen in diagnosing internal hernias to avoid repercussions and fatal events.