A rare cause of small bowel obstruction internal herniation due to Allen-masters Syndrome: case report and literature review

Background: Internal hernias are rare and constitute only a small fraction of bowel obstruction cases. Herniation through the broad ligament of the uterus, known as Allen-Masters syndrome, is an exceptionally rare cause of small bowel obstruction. Case Report: We present the case of a 56-years-old woman with clinical signs indicative of mechanical bowel obstruction. During diagnostic laparoscopy, a segment of the small bowel was found entrapped within the broad ligament (ligamentum latum uteri). The entrapped bowel loop was released, and the ligament defect was sutured. Conclusion: A defect in the ligamentum latum uteri, as seen in Allen-Masters syndrome, is a rare and often incidental finding in female patients presenting with ileus. This syndrome may account for nonspecific symptoms such as dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, and both acute and chronic pelvic pain. Allen-Masters syndrome can be effectively diagnosed and treated through a laparoscopic approach.