A Richter's hernia is characterised by which specific feature that distinguishes it from other types of bowel-containing hernia?

• A Containing an entire loop of bowel with its mesentery in the sac
• B Entrapment of only the antimesenteric border of bowel wall, which may strangulate without causing complete obstruction ✓
• C Spontaneously reducing hernia with intermittent obstructive symptoms
• D Hernia containing Meckel's diverticulum

Explanation

A Richter's hernia involves only the antimesenteric wall of the bowel — a knuckle of bowel wall — entering the hernial sac, leaving the lumen patent. This is dangerous because strangulation and perforation can occur without signs of intestinal obstruction, leading to delayed diagnosis. Littre's hernia contains Meckel's diverticulum. An entire bowel loop with mesentery is a standard incarcerated hernia. Option C describes a sliding or intermittent hernia.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.