Incarcerated recurrent inguinal hernia as a cause of secondary torsion of the greater omentum: a rare case report and literature review

Abstract

Torsion of the greater omentum is a rare condition with a low incidence. However, secondary torsion of the greater omentum caused by an incarcerated recurrent inguinal hernia is extremely rare. Such torsion is fairly difficult to diagnose preoperatively because the symptoms are not typical and can mimic those of other causes of acute abdominal disease. If only the incarcerated inguinal hernia is treated, associated torsion of the greater omentum may be missed. We herein report a case of secondary torsion of the greater omentum caused by an incarcerated recurrent inguinal hernia. Exploratory laparotomy was performed because the preoperative computed tomography findings suggested torsion of the greater omentum. The diagnosis of torsion of the greater omentum was confirmed intraoperatively. The patient developed no recurrence throughout the 5-year follow-up.