Abstract
Mesenteric hernia during childhood is rare, especially in neonates. Two cases of starangulated ileus due to mesenteric hernia during childhood are reported.
Case 1: A 3-day-old male infant was admitted to the hospital because of vomiting and abdominal distention. Strangulated ileus was diagnosed and an emergency operation was performed. The ileum was strangulated by a defect in the ileal mesentry. After a repair of the strangulated ileus, the ileum was left intact to no necrosis and the hiatus was closed.
Case 2: A 21-month-old female child was admitted to the hospital because of vomiting and bad temper. Abdominal plain X-ray film revealed an abnormal small amount of intestinal gas. Under a diagnosis of starangulated ileus, an emergency operation was performed. The ileum was strangulated by a defect in the ileal mesentry at 19cm from the Bauhin valve. About 1m of the necrotic ileum was resected.
In a review of the literature, a total of 22 neonate cases of mesenteric hernia including our case have been reported so far. Of these 22 cases, only one case was able to be diagnosed preoperatively. It is important to perform a prompt operation as early as possible when it is suspected.
