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Paraduodenal hernias are rare internal hernias in which the small intestine becomes trapped behind the mesentery of the colon. These hernias can lead to bowel obstruction and ischaemia, making early diagnosis and intervention crucial. Patients often exhibit non-specific symptoms, highlighting the importance of using CT imaging for diagnosis. Prompt surgical correction is necessary to prevent severe complications such as bowel ischaemia or necrosis. While open and laparoscopic approaches are well-established, there is limited evidence on the robotic repair of paraduodenal hernias as a minimally invasive technique. This case report describes a man in his early 30s who presented with persistent abdominal pain and vomiting. Imaging revealed a right paraduodenal hernia with characteristic CT findings showing clustered jejunal loops and abnormal mesenteric rotation. The patient successfully underwent robotic hernia repair, which involved identifying and reducing the hernia sac and securing the defect with polypropylene sutures. The postoperative recovery was complication-free. This case underscores the effectiveness of robotic techniques in managing this rare presentation and emphasises the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ Group.)

The superior lumbar triangle is formed by the erector spinae muscles medially, internal oblique muscles laterally and the 12th rib superiorly. Herniation through this triangle can be congenital or acquired (primary or secondary). The contents of the hernial sac commonly include retroperitoneal fat, kidneys, ascending or descending colon, small intestines, stomach, spleen, etc. We present a case of an infant with congenital herniation of the left kidney through the superior lumbar triangle with an incidentally detected closed spinal tube defect. The anatomy of the lumbar triangle and a literature review of the associated hernia have been briefly described in this article., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

An internal hernia through the foramen of Winslow represents a rare surgical pathology. This report describes a case with incipient caecal ischaemia and discusses current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. A patient in his early 60s presented at the emergency department with abdominal pain and last bowel movement three days prior. A CT scan of the abdomen suggested an internal hernia into the lesser sac. Intraoperatively, the suspected diagnosis could be confirmed laparoscopically with a twisted mobile caecum herniating through the foramen of Winslow. Due to a suspected ischaemia and laparoscopic frustrated reduction, a right open hemicolectomy was performed. The hernia gap was closed. The postoperative course was uneventful. Despite the rarity of internal hernias in patients without prior abdominal surgery, surgeons should be aware of this entity. The diagnosis can be difficult and sometimes only established intraoperatively. Open surgery is usually required. If the gap is clearly identified, the recommendations tend towards its closure., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

An approximately 2-day-old neonate was brought with a fleshy intraoral mass and an inability to suckle adequately, without a preceding history of trauma. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed a fat density mass-like lesion occupying and partially filling the oral cavity. Following detection of a defect in the buccinator muscle with associated herniation of the buccal pad of fat into the mouth, a surgical approach was adopted to tackle the condition. Intraoperatively, the defects in the buccinator muscle and buccal mucosa were repaired after excision of the prolapsed fat pad. Age-appropriate feeding practices were initiated following surgery without residual anatomical or functional limitation. Early radiological diagnosis directing surgical intervention was helpful in management of a benign but functionally impeding lesion., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Internal hernias are protrusions of viscera that can cause obstructions such as small bowel obstruction (SBO). Diagnosis can be challenging, as they usually come with an atypical presentation. We report on a case of a woman in her early 40s, with no history of surgery or chronic illnesses, which came with abdominal pain associated with vomiting. CT scan revealed obstructed small bowel. On exploratory laparoscopy, an internal hernia through a peritoneal defect in the vesicouterine space was found, entrapping a limb of the jejunum. The entrapped loop of the small bowel was freed, the ischaemic part was resected, and the defect was closed. Our case presents the second reported case of a congenital vesicouterine defect causing SBO. It is important to consider patients presenting with SBO as a case of congenital peritoneal defect if they had no previous surgeries., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity and obesity-related complications. Weight regain after surgery plagues all methods of bariatric procedures including the minigastric bypass. The use of a 'silastic ring' around the gastric pouch has been shown to reduce weight regain. We present here a very rare complication of silastic ring use, in which a loop of small bowel had herniated through the ring and produced a closed loop small bowel obstruction. The patient was successfully treated with an emergency laparotomy to resect the silastic ring and release the herniated bowel. This case highlights the hernia risk that silastic rings pose and cautions careful consideration before their use., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2022. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

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A 30-year-old man presented with colicky abdominal pain for 2 months, associated with occasional episodes of bilious vomiting. He had a history of similar complaints at the age of 16 and 26 years. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen was consistent with a diagnosis of left paraduodenal hernia. On laparoscopy a 3 × 3 cm hernial defect was identified in the left paraduodenal fossa (fossa of Landzert). Contents were jejunal, and proximal ileal loops which were dilated and edematous. Anterior border of the sac was formed by the inferior mesenteric vein and left branch of the left colic artery. Initial reduction of contents was easy. However, complete reduction proved to be difficult due to adhesions with the sac opening, the hernial sac instead laid open by dividing the Inferior Mesentric Vein (IMV) (anterior border of defect) using a vascular stapler. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3 in a stable condition. On follow-up the patient is doing well., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

A 70-year-old asthmatic man presented with a history of chronic intermittent left-sided chest pains and a bulge-like deformity of his chest which became more prominent with expiration. He sustained a traumatic fall 2 years prior whereby he fractured his right humerus at the surgical neck, requiring total arthroplasty. Examination and CT imaging of the thorax revealed a left costal arch fracture with hemidiaphragm rupture and associated transperitoneal fat herniation. He underwent left thoracolaparotomy with costal arch and diaphragmatic hernia repair. He was discharged 48 hours postoperatively and is satisfied with good outcomes under initial follow-up. This case report highlights the surgical management of a condition that usually presents late after significant trauma and may progress to visceral strangulation if untreated., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

A 59-year-old man with abdominal pain was admitted to the emergency department. Investigations had revealed a right-sided paraduodenal hernia and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) twisting around the superior mesenteric artery in rotation, the 'whirlpool sign'. Owing to the increasing severity of abdominal pain and the presence of SMV thrombosis complicated with strangulated paraduodenal herniation associated with high mortality rates, diagnostic laparoscopy was performed. Resection of the intestines was not needed and paraduodenal hernia was repaired. The patient was uneventfully discharged., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Herniation of the tympanic membrane is a rare benign malformation of the tympanic membrane into the external auditory canal. It may be asymptomatic or associated with symptoms such as aural fullness, tinnitus, otalgia or hearing loss. We present a case of a symptomatic herniation of the tympanic membrane and its surgical therapy with hernia excision and tympanoplasty. An internal review board exemption was obtained., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

An 85-year-old man with no previous laparotomies and no herniae presented with a small bowel obstruction. CT imaging did not suggest any obvious cause; however, a transition point at the terminal ileum was noted. At laparotomy, the small bowel was unexpectedly found to be obstructed through a tight anterior hiatal defect. No resection was required and the defect was closed. On retrospective review of the CT images, the herniated small bowel can clearly be seen anterior to the oesophagus and can also be appreciated as a retrocardiac air-fluid level on chest X-ray (initially felt to be a small type I hiatal hernia). Our case highlights the surgical axiom that in patients with small bowel obstruction with no scars and no herniae consideration should be given to an unusual or sinister cause., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Parastomal hernia (PSH) is one of the most known complications to end colostomies. However, PSH containing the stomach is rare: not many case reports were found in literature search. This case is a 92-year-old woman who was brought in by ambulance to the accident and emergency department with vomiting, abdominal distension, palpable mass on the left side of her abdomen and with reduced stoma effluent. Her abdominal CT scan showed a PSH containing a partially incarcerated gastric hernia. Although there are only few similar cases of PSH containing the stomach reported in the literature, an almost similar pattern in presentation of this unique case can be deduced following a thorough comparison of cases in the literature, which can be quite helpful both academically and clinically: they are often advanced in age and are usually women with end colostomies., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2020. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

An internal hernia is defined as a protrusion of an abdominal viscera through the defects of the gastrointestinal mesentery or peritoneum-lined fossa. Sigmoid mesocolic hernias are an uncommon type of internal hernias, accounting for only 6% of all internal hernias. Furthermore, intramesosigmoid hernia is one of the three subtypes of the sigmoid mesocolic hernias. Internal hernias are potentially fatal conditions with diagnostic challenges. Patients presenting with acute obstruction, no surgical history and no external hernia should receive an urgent CT scan to facilitate early surgery and to minimise the risk of strangulation and bowel resection. Here, we report a case of strangulated small bowel obstruction secondary to an intramesosigmoid hernia with a successful laparoscopic repair. We also present a literature review of all reported cases so far and give an up-to-date perspective on intramesosigmoid hernia., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2020. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

A 34-year-old man presented with acute severe left-sided abdominal and flank pain with associated postprandial nausea and vomiting. CT imaging revealed findings suspicious for a closed loop small bowel obstruction. Intraoperative findings were that of a left paraduodenal hernia (of Landzert) secondary to a mesenteric defect immediately posterior to the ascending branch of the left colic artery. The defect was closed via minilaparotomy. Unfortunately, his postoperative course was complicated by small bowel obstruction which required further laparotomy and adhesiolysis. The patient eventually made a good recovery. Here, we present a rare case of intestinal obstruction and discuss the aetiologies and management of this unusual phenomenon., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

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Idiopathic Spinal Cord Herniation (ISCH) is considered to be a rare cause of Thoracic Myelopathy. It is secondary to the gliding of the Spinal Cord through an anterior dural defect, without a completely defined cause. We present a case of ISCH which, even though was in its usual location, developed in a woman at a younger age than expected. The patient was 20 years old when diagnosed with Brown-Séquard Syndrome. MRI showed herniation at T4-T5 level, which was corrected using a posterior approach to expose the dural defect, reduce the herniation and place a heterologous graft. Postoperatively, neurological function improved, and adequate reduction was seen on imaging. Given the reports of recurrence and deterioration that have been seen after 18 months, follow-up was prolonged for a total of 2 years. We consider postoperative MRI performance important to establish the degree of reduction and alignment of the Spinal Cord., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

We present a case of a 16-year-old girl with interruption of papyracea lamina and herniation of the periorbital fat covered by a bone shell. The patient presents with a history of diplopia and visual disturbances ever since she can remember. Thanks to radiological imaging and biopsy, we have done differential diagnosis with periorbital lipoma, intraosseous lipoma and intramuscular lipoma of medial rectus. Diagnostic for images is necessary for a correct operative planning. Endoscopic sinus surgery with computer-assisted navigation is the safest and most effective method to remove the lesion that was closely related to the medial rectum muscle and to the anterior ethmoidal artery. The patient after surgery and in 1 year of follow-up reports the disappearance of symptoms., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

A 59-year-old man with a medical history of hypertension, gout and obesity presented to the hospital with a chief complaint of worsening scrotal oedema. The patient endorsed associated symptoms of decreased force of stream on urination, stranguria and hesitancy with slight dysuria. Physical exam showed an effaced umbilicus and phallus with a hidden scrotum estimated to be 30×20×30 cm in size. Imaging and lab findings led to a diagnosis of total bladder herniation within an incarcerated right inguinal hernia. Surgical repair of the inguinal hernia and replacement of the bladder and ureters led to a resolution of urinary symptoms with no evidence of vesicoureteral reflux or urinary retention., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

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An intramesosigmoid hernia is 1 of the 3 rare types of sigmoid-related hernias that could be complicated by intestinal obstruction. Our patient presented with a clinical picture of intestinal obstruction. CT scan showed features of strangulated small-bowel obstruction secondary to a sigmoid-related hernia. This was confirmed intraoperatively to be an intramesosigmoid hernia. We share the radiological findings with intraoperative surgical correlation and discuss the imaging features described in the literature., (2016 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.)

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH) is a recognised rare cause of progressive and potentially curable myelopathy. Around 170 cases have been described in the literature, all to be found between the T2 and T8 vertebrae. We report a case of ISCH in the cervical region. A 23-year-old man with no history of trauma presented with a 6-year history of bilateral mild resting hand tremor and left scapular pain radiating to the left arm for a duration of 8 months. Nerve conduction studies showed some denervation changes of the upper limbs and bulbar regions. MRI of the spine showed anterior midline herniation of the spinal cord at the level of C7 vertebra with an associated collection of cerebrospinal fluid in the extradural space in the cervical region. Owing to the non-progressive nature of symptoms, currently the patient is managed conservatively., (2016 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.)

A 43-year-old man presenting with acute coronary syndrome with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction underwent urgent coronary angiography. During the intervention, the patient was found to have several multiple filling defects with dynamic obstruction in the left coronary circulation. Thrombectomy was performed on distal left anterior descending artery and 2nd diagonal artery lesions with balloon angioplasty, which was unsuccessful. Considering the dynamic obstruction in the angiogram, immediate imaging was performed for structural evaluation of the heart. Cardiac CT revealed a circumferential groove on the heart, suggesting an external compression leading to dynamic obstruction of the coronary arteries on angiogram. Cardiac hernia, a very rare aetiology, was suspected to be the culprit for the ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. Thoracoscopy was performed, which revealed congenital cardiac hernia and a fibrous pericardial band encircling the apex. A left mini thoracotomy was performed to release the constriction imposed over the heart, with improvement in circulation., (2015 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.)

Internal hernias are rare, constituting 5.8% of all intestinal obstruction cases. Congenital transverse mesocolon hernias in adults are specifically rare. We hereby present a case of an adult female presenting with acute intestinal obstruction. Her CT scan showed classic signs of internal herniations: 'Whirlpool sign', crowding of bowel loops in the upper compartment and the absence of caecum from the Right Iliac Fossa. At operation, she was found to have a congenital defect in the transverse mesocolon, through which have herniated the terminal ileum, caecum and the proximal half of the ascending colon. They have furthermore rotated 360° about the axis of the pedicle forming a volvulus. The bowel was viable. The herniated bowel was derotated, and reduced through the defect, the defect was closed with polydioxanone sutures, and the caecum and ascending colon was fixed to the lateral abdominal wall.

Poland syndrome is characterised by unilateral absence of the large pectoral muscle, ipsilateral symbrachydactyly and occasionally other malformations of the anterior chest wall and breast. The condition is more frequent among men and usually occurs on the right hemithorax in the unilateral form. This case is unique because we believe it is a rare case of Poland syndrome involving the left hemithorax along with dextrocardia and herniation of the spleen from the left subcostal region.

Herniation of the lung is uncommon and occurs due to protrusion of the lung beyond the confines of the thoracic cavity through an abnormal opening in the chest wall. Any condition associated with raised intrathoracic pressure or that which weakens the thoracic wall may result in lung herniation. We present a case of spontaneous lung herniation which was managed successfully by minimally invasive thoracic surgery.

The surgical principles for the treatment of flail chest have yet to be fully established. Furthermore, the relationship between flail chest and lung hernias is unclear. We report here a rare case of chondrosternal traumatic disruption and lung hernia that was treated with a novel technique using titanium rib bridges and clips, which successfully reduced the hernia defect and provided stability to the chest wall. This procedure was beneficial in minimising the patient's ventilation time and time away from work.

Paraduodenal hernias are congenital internal hernias that usually present with non-specific symptoms, and are therefore rarely diagnosed preoperatively. Left-sided paraduodenal hernias are three times more likely to occur than right-sided ones. Both hernias present similarly, but have a differing embryological basis. Here, the case of a 76-year-old woman with a left paraduodenal hernia presenting with small bowel obstruction is presented, and a brief discussion of the literature on its diagnosis and management given.

Diaphragmatic injuries are quite uncommon and often result from either blunt or penetrating trauma. Diaphragmatic ruptures are usually associated with abdominal trauma; however, it can occur in isolation. Acute traumatic rupture of the diaphragm may go unnoticed and there is often a delay between the injury and the diagnosis. Patients present with non-specific symptoms and may complain of chest pain, abdominal pain, dyspnoea, tachypnoea and cough, heartburn and symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux. Respiratory distress and faeco-pneumothorax have been reported. We present an interesting case of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia presenting 5 years after a road traffic accident as acute abdomen and massive haematemesis due to strangulated gangrenous gastric hernia.