A Case of Broad Ligament Hernia Successfully Treated with Reduced Port Surgery

Abstract

Broad ligament hernias are a very rare condition, reported in less than 5％ of internal abdominal hernias, and are difficult to diagnose preoperatively. We report herein on a case of a broad ligament hernia with small bowel obstruction diagnosed preoperatively and treated with reduced port surgery (RPS). A 46-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain and vomiting. A CT scan of the abdomen confirmed closed loop obstruction of the small bowel on the left side of the uterus. We strongly suspected a broad ligament hernia and performed an emergency laparoscopic RPS. The ileum was incarcerated in a defect of the left broad ligament but had no sign of necrosis. We successfully repaired the broad ligament defect with suturing. Under an accurate preoperative diagnosis of broad ligament hernia, RPS is practical without decompression of the small bowel, and has a cosmetic advantage especially in female patients with this condition.