Left paraduodenal hernia: a rare cause of recurrent abdominal pain: case report

Abstract

Internal hernias are quite rare, accounting for fewer than 1% of all abdominal hernias. Moreover, the most frequent cause of internal herniation is paraduodenal hernia (PDH). Diagnosing paraduodenal hernias can be difficult due to the wide range of symptoms that can occur. It is a case report of paraduodenal hernia that was diagnosed and managed in a tertiary center. We describe the case of a 55-year-old male patient who had been experiencing nonspecific abdominal discomfort for the last 5 years and had several comorbidities and positive serology. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed that he had a left PDH, which was effectively treated with laparoscopic surgical repair. The study's strength is that it was correctly identified by CT and subsequently laparoscopically corrected. A gastrografin swallow study was also performed postoperatively to ensure there was no leak. The study's flaw is that the patient was misdiagnosed for five years in other medical facilities. Because paraduodenal hernia is an uncommon diagnosis, it's important to keep it in mind as one of the differential diagnoses for persistent discomfort. It also needs accurate imaging in order to identify and successfully manage it. To demonstrate the relevance of this uncommon condition, future research is needed to report on any misdiagnosis or treatment. To conclude, nowadays the best option for paraduodenal hernia repair is laparoscopic surgery. However, because it can present with a wide variety of symptoms and diagnosis might be challenging, it demands a high index of suspicion. The gold standard for identifying paraduodenal hernia is still a CT scan of the abdomen. Patients who are stable and have no signs of intestinal obstruction might decide to have their hernia repaired to avoid future problems. To demonstrate the relevance of this uncommon condition, future research is needed to report on any misdiagnosis or treatment.