Laparoscopic repair of internal hernia in pregnant women after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: a case report

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a common bariatric operation proven to result in significant weight loss. One recognized serious complication is that of an internal hernia (IH), in which the small bowel protrudes through one of two mesenteric defects created by the Roux-en-Y anatomy. In this case report, we present a successful laparoscopic repair of a symptomatic IH in a patient in the third trimester of pregnancy. This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing vague abdominal pain and emesis during pregnancy, and technical considerations for safe laparoscopic access and monitoring throughout minimally invasive surgery in late gestation.