Rare presentation of paraduodenal hernia: two comprehensive case reports and a review of literature from a single-center experience

Paraduodenal hernia is a rare congenital internal hernia and an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO). We report two cases from a single center: a 48-year-old female with a left-sided hernia presenting with SBO and a postoperative pulmonary embolism, and a 24-year-old male with a right-sided hernia complicated by bowel ischemia requiring right hemicolectomy. Both cases were diagnosed preoperatively using abdominal computed tomography and managed surgically with favorable outcomes. Paraduodenal hernias account for <1% of SBO cases and are classified as left-sided (~75%) or right-sided (~25%). Early recognition and prompt surgical intervention are essential, with open surgery often preferred for complicated cases. These cases emphasize the importance of considering paraduodenal hernia in patients with SBO and a virgin abdomen and highlight the role of vigilant postoperative monitoring to prevent morbidity and complications.