A richter's hernia is defined as which of the following?
- A A hernia containing a Meckel's diverticulum
- B Partial enterocele — only the anti-mesenteric wall of the bowel is incarcerated, without complete luminal obstruction ✓
- C A sliding hernia where the caecum forms part of the hernial sac
- D A hernia with two loops of bowel in the sac forming a W-shape
Correct answer: B. Partial enterocele — only the anti-mesenteric wall of the bowel is incarcerated, without complete luminal obstruction
Explanation
A Richter's hernia involves only the anti-mesenteric border of the intestine herniating through the defect — not the full circumference — so complete bowel obstruction does not occur. However, the incarcerated portion can strangulate and perforate silently, presenting as sepsis without classic intestinal obstruction. It most commonly occurs in femoral and small abdominal wall defects. Littre's hernia contains a Meckel's diverticulum; Maydl's hernia has the W-shaped double loop; sliding hernia (La Chapelle) has the caecum forming the wall.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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