Mesenteric Defect with Internal Herniation: A Rare Cause of Bowel Obstruction in Newborn

Abstract

Herniation through a congenital mesenteric defect is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction in the newborn. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment improves the prognosis. We present a case of a full-term infant who presented with respiratory distress at birth. Enteral feeding was not started because abdominal distension and delayed passage of meconium. Bowel obstruction was suspected. Radiological investigation did not provide a clear diagnosis. Surgical exploration revealed transmesenteric congenital hernia. After surgical repair, enteral feeding was tolerated and patient was discharged with an uneventful outcome. Diagnostic difficulties were discussed.

Internal hernia as cause of acute abdomen in a preterm neonate: when necrotizing enterocolitis is not the culprit

“…These emergencies are intestinal obstruction or intestinal perforation, and the causes are, predominantly NEC and spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP). The differential diagnosis can also include intestinal atresia, meconium ileus, malrotation, Hirschsprung's disease, intussusception, or incarcerated hernia but they are not so common in this age group [ 1 , 2 ]. Internal hernia is a rare condition causing bowel obstruction and can occur at any age.…”