LAUSR

An internal hernia occurs when part of the bowel protrudes through a mesenteric or a peritoneal orifice which could be either normally present or acquired. These hernias usually represent a challenge to diagnose. Of the natural anatomical orifices is the Foramen of Winslow through which the caecum and the ascending colon could herniate. An 85-year-old gentleman presented with a one-day history of abdominal pain. His pain had a sudden onset, an intermittent course and was limited to the epigastric region. He was nauseated but not vomiting. He had opened his bowels a day before presenting to the hospital. CT scan of the revealed herniation of the caecal pole through the foramen of Winslow and into the lesser sac. The decision was made to perform a laparotomy where it was revealed that the caecum and part of the ascending colon had herniated through the foramen of Winslow. Content of the hernia, which was viable, was carefully reduced and right hemicolectomy was performed. With the scarcity of similar cases, we currently have no consensus of management. Dealing with the hernia at laparotomy would be usually the choice of the surgeon depending on tissue viability and other operative findings.