A Report of Three Cases of Small-Bowel Obstruction Arising from Mesenteric Defects, with a Review of the Literature.

Herniation of small bowel through defects in the gastro-intestinal mesentery is a rare cause of acute bowel obstruction. Its possible presence must be borne in mind if the clinical condition of the patient suggests bowel obstruction, despite the absence of external herniae and in the absence of any history of previous abdominal surgery. Early operation is essential, and three cases of the condition are now reported. The relevant literature is reviewed.