Small bowel obstruction and strangulation secondary to an adhesive internal hernia post ESWL for right ureteral calculi: a case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a relatively safe and convenient mode of treatment for ureteral and renal stones, despite its relative safety; ESWL is not without its complications. We present a case of a patient we managed for small bowel obstruction and strangulation due to an adhesive internal hernia after ESWL was done because of right ureteral calculi. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 59-year-old patient who presented with severe abdominal pain a few hours after ESWL because of a right upper ureteric calculus. The abdominal pain increased in severity in time and became more generalized. The patient had one episode of gross hematochezia as she was being prepped for emergency laparotomy. Intra-op, she had a strangulated internal hernia because of an omental-mesenteric adhesion. CONCLUSION: This case report hopes to highlight the potential of complications like acquired IH due to adhesions in patients with a history of ureteral calculi, and also the complications that may come about post-ESWL. Patients who present with signs of persistent abdominal pain post-ESWL should be vigilantly observed. If symptoms persist, increase in intensity or there is a general deterioration of the patients’ hemodynamic status, even in light of negative MDCT findings, prompt surgical intervention is crucial for definitive diagnosis as well as management.