Omental whirl associated with bilateral inguinal hernia: A case report

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Silva, E (Author) Other; Carvalho, AF (Author) Other; Rocha, D (Author) Other; Rodrigues, AM (Author) Other; Pereira, R (Author) Other; Rodrigues, AJ (Author) Other; Leao, P (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Medical Case Reports

Vol. 8

Final page: 239

ISSN: 1752-1947

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-PJK

DOI: 10.1186/1752-1947-8-239

Abstract (EN): Introduction. Torsion of the omentum is a rare cause of abdominal pain. It is clinically similar to common causes of acute surgical abdomen and is often diagnosed during surgery. Inguinal hernia is a common condition but not frequently related with torsion of the omentum. Case presentation. A 40-year-old Caucasian man came to our emergency department with abdominal pain of the left quadrant and abdominal distension for 2 days. His medical history included an untreated left inguinal hernia in the last year. Computed tomography revealed densification of mesocolon with left omentum "whirl" component and other signs of omental torsion. During an exploratory laparoscopy, a wide twist of his omentum with necrotic alterations that extended to the bilateral inguinal hernial content was observed. Omentectomy and surgical repair of bilateral inguinal hernia were performed. Conclusions: Torsion of the omentum is a rare entity and usually presents a diagnostic challenge. The use of abdominal computed tomography can help diagnosing torsion of the omentum preoperatively and, thus, prevents a surgical approach. Nonetheless, some cases of torsion of the omentum require surgical repair. Accordingly, a laparoscopic approach is minimally invasive and efficient in performing omentectomy. © 2014 Silva et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific