Laparoscopic repair of the broad ligament hernia: A case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Broad ligament hernia is a rare type of internal hernia caused by the protrusion of viscera through an abnormal defect on the broad ligament. The diagnosis is difficult and challenging. Usually, it requires an urgent laparotomy to avoid intestinal necrosis or even the death of the patient.

Case presentation: A 34-year-old woman, with no medical or surgical history, presented to our educational hospital with acute abdominal pain and recurrent vomiting for the last two days. After clinical and radiological investigations, the diagnosis of an internal hernia through the broad ligament was confirmed. An emergent laparoscopic repair was performed and the postoperative course was uneventful.

Clinical discussion: We report a rare case of an internal hernia through the broad ligament and we describe the challenges associated with the preoperative diagnosis and therapeutic approach. The defect in the broad ligament may be unilateral or bilateral and congenital or acquired. There are no specific clinical and radiologic findings. Surgery remains the cornerstone of the treatment.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and rapid management of broad ligament hernia are necessary to prevent catastrophic sequelae. It is important to keep in mind that internal hernia like broad ligament hernia can occur in patients with no surgical history.

Keywords: Broad ligament; Case report; Internal hernia; Small bowel obstruction.