Adult Intestinal Malrotation With Congenital Transverse Meso-Colic Internal Hernia: An Infrequent Cause of Small Bowel Obstruction

Abstract

Adult intestinal malrotation along with congenital transverse-mesocolic internal hernia causing small bowel obstruction is extremely rare. Most of these patients don't have any obvious clinical symptoms. Only a few cases have been documented in the English literature. We present the unique case of a 43-year-old male without any prior surgical history who presented with nonspecific abdominal pain and was diagnosed with malrotation of the small intestine by computed tomography (CT) scan and underwent exploratory laparotomy found to have internal herniation through the transverse-mesocolon. The patient underwent an emergency laparotomy; a Ladd’s procedure and repair of the hernial orifice were performed. This case highlights the association of adult intestinal malrotation with internal hernias and small bowel obstruction; it also explores the importance of timely diagnosis and adequate management of this condition.