Intestinal obstruction due to a broad ligament (Lg latum) hernia: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Hernias of the broad ligament consist in the protrusion of an intra-abdominal viscus through a defect of the broad ligament. Its cause can be congenital or acquired. They are classified as fenestrated or pouched (Hunt classification) or as their location within the broad ligament (Cilley classification). It is an infrequent cause of internal hernia to be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute intestinal obstructions in women, especially with no surgical history. The high clinical suspicion can help early diagnosis and early treatment, thus avoiding the need for intestinal resection due to ischemia of the herniated intestinal segment. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult due to imaging tests, so laparoscopy can be a useful tool for diagnosis and treatment. We present a clinical case of internal hernia through a defect of the broad ligament, diagnosed and treated by minimally invasive surgery.

Keywords

• broad ligament defect
• internal hernia
• intestinal obstruction
• urgent surgery