Gangrenous Appendicitis: A Rare Presentation of Pericecal Hernia; Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Intra-abdominal Hernias are rare conditions usually secondary to congenital defects, with pericecal hernias accounting for a minority of them. They can be difficult to diagnose due to non-specific presentations but may lead to strangulation and thus require early management. We herein report a rare case of pericecal hernia with gangrenous appendicitis in an 88 year-old lady presenting with features of acute intestinal obstruction and right iliac fossa lump, which on exploration was found to be a pericecal hernia with knotting, strangulation, and gangrenous changes of appendix. This case highlights the need of a high index of suspicion for internal hernias and that of prompt operative intervention to avoid enterectomies and to improve outcome.