Laparoscopic Management of Omental Torsion Secondary to an Occult Inguinal Hernia

Abstract

Torsion of the greater omentum is an uncommon surgical emergency. Most of the reported cases have been primary omental torsion with infarction, in which the underlying cause is largely unknown. Right-sided abdominal symptoms are the predominant complaint. Left-sided omental torsion is rather infrequent, and the preoperative diagnosis is extremely difficult. We report a case of omental torsion secondary to an occult left indirect inguinal hernia that was successfully diagnosed and managed laparoscopically.