Retrocecal hernia with small bowel obstruction: a review of literature

Abstract

Retrocecal hernia, a type of internal hernia, is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction. It can come as a surprise to the operating surgeon if not diagnosed preoperatively. We hereby report a case of retrocecal hernia presenting with small bowel obstruction. A man in his early 60s presented to the emergency department with recurrent episodes of vomiting associated with abdominal pain for 3 days and the inability to pass flatus for 1 day. Preoperative imaging revealed multiple air-fluid levels with a transition point in the terminal ileum suggestive of small bowel obstruction. After adequate resuscitation, emergency laparotomy was performed, and intraoperatively, herniated ileal loop through a retrocecal defect was identified as a cause of obstruction. Herniated ileal loop was reduced, followed by the closure of the defect and cecopexy. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged in a stable condition. He was asymptomatic on follow-up.