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. 2014:2014:195736.
doi: 10.1155/2014/195736. Epub 2014 Jun 26.

Intestinal Obstruction due to Bilateral Strangulated Femoral Hernias

Ioannis Nikolopoulos  1 , Eshan Oderuth  1 , Eleni Ntakomyti  1 , Bengt Kald  2
Affiliations

Intestinal Obstruction due to Bilateral Strangulated Femoral Hernias

Ioannis Nikolopoulos et al. Case Rep Surg. 2014.

Abstract

Introduction. Femoral hernias are at high risk of strangulation due to the narrow femoral canal and femoral ring. This can lead to symptoms of obstruction or strangulation requiring emergency surgery and possible bowel resection. To our knowledge, there is only one previous published report of bilateral strangulated femoral hernia. We present our case of this phenomenon. Case Report. An 86-year-old woman presented with symptoms of small bowel obstruction. Examination revealed two tender lumps in the area of the femoral triangle. CT scan revealed bilateral femoral hernias. Both hernias were repaired and a small bowel resection on the right side was performed with side to side anastomosis. She made an uneventful recovery. Conclusion. Bilateral femoral hernias are a rare occurrence with only one reported case of bilateral strangulation. Our case highlights the importance of meticulous history taking and clinical examination as any delay in diagnosis will increase the risk of mortality and morbidity for the patient. Hernias should always be considered as a cause if one presents with symptoms of abdominal pain or obstruction.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CT abdomen and pelvis transverse view with IV contrast illustrating bilateral femoral hernia containing small bowel.
Figure 2
Figure 2
CT abdomen and pelvis coronal view with IV contrast illustrating right sided femoral hernia containing small bowel and small bowel obstruction.
Figure 3
Figure 3
CT abdomen and pelvis coronal view with IV contrast illustrating left sided femoral hernia containing small bowel and small bowel obstruction.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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