RICHTER HERNIA - EXTRAORDINARY CLINICAL C OURSE AND INCIDENCE AMONG PATIENTS AT THE KANTONSSPITAL-BRUDERHOLZ

Richter's hernia is a special type of incarcerated hernia with strangu lation of only a part of the circumference of the bowel wall. Diagnosi s may be delayed for the frequent absence of intestinal obstruction or the mild local signs especially in the femoral site. Untreated, there may be formation of an abscess without communication to the peritonea l cavity with secondary formation of an enterocutaneous fistula. We de scribe the history of a 87 years old patient with a femoral hernia and formation of an enterocutaneous fistula 9 months after incarceration. Discussion with review of the literature.