Internal hernia beneath superior vesical artery after pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical cancer: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: The common complications of radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy usually include wound infection, hemorrhage or hematomas, lymphocele, uretheral injury, ileus and incisional hernias. However, internal hernia secondary to the orifice associated with the uncovered vessels after pelvic lymphadenectomy is very rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of internal hernia with intestinal perforation beneath the superior vesical artery that occurred one month after laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical cancer. A partial ileum resection was performed and the right superior vesical artery was transected to prevent recurrence of the internal hernia. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitonealization after the pelvic lymphadenectomy should be considered in patients with tortuous, elongated arteries which could be causal lesions of an internal hernia.