Mesentery, Omentum, peritoneum: Internal hernias and abdominal wall hernias

Abstract

Abdominal hernias are a common clinical problem. They are classified as internal hernias and external or abdominal wall hernias. Abdominal wall hernias involve protrusion of abdominal contents through a defect in the abdominal wall. In internal hernias, bowel or viscera protrude through a natural opening or a defect in the peritoneum or mesentery into a compartment within the abdominal cavity. Diaphragmatic hernias are a special subtype of hernia in which abdominal contents protrude into the thoracic cavity (Miller et al. 1995). Internal hernias (IH) may develop based on congenital anomalies of the peritoneum or mesentery or secondary to trauma, surgery, inflammation, or circulation disorders.