A novel laparoscopic non-resective technique for the management of strangulated Richter's hernia

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The incidence of Richter's hernias has risen in part due to the increment use of laparoscopic surgery. The standard technique to manage a strangulated Richter's hernia is bowel resection with anastomosis. Alternatively, invagination of the necrotic area in the enterocele maintains a clean surgical field and allows for the use of a mesh when closing the abdominal wall. In a sterile surgical field, the use of a prosthetic reinforcement has shown advantages, including low rates of long-term complications and reduced rates of hernia recurrence. CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year-old male presented with a strangulated Richter's hernia in a periumbilical abdominal wall defect. In the Operating Theatre, the necrotic segment was managed laparoscopically by plication with invagination allowing for abdominal wall reconstruction with a mesh. CLINICAL DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We propose the laparoscopic repair of Richter's hernia with plication and invagination whenever feasible, therefore avoiding a bowel resection and maintaining a clean surgical field; which allows for use of prosthetic mesh.