Spontaneous Transomental Hernia through the Greater Omentum: Case Report

Transomental internal hernias are an exceptionally uncommon form of internal hernias. However, they can occur even in patients without prior surgical procedures due to age-related omental atrophy. Transomental hernias, whether through the greater or lesser omentum, are infrequent, comprising only about 1-4% of all internal hernias. These hernias are typically observed in individuals over the age of fifty. Acquired transomental hernias are more common and often result from previous abdominal surgeries, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, trauma, or peritoneal inflammation. The postoperative mortality rate for transomental hernias is notably high, reaching 30%, and they are frequently diagnosed during emergency laparotomies.

In this case report, we describe an extremely rare occurrence of a transomental hernia presenting as small bowel obstruction in a 50-year-old female patient and which was treated successfully in our Centre by explorative laparotomy.