Left paraduodenal hernia (PDH), may present as a surgical emergency with an increased risk of strangulation and incarceration. The diagnosis is challenging because of the non-specific presentation. In the absence of common epigastric or upper abdominal pathology and non-resolving symptoms, a high index of suspicion is required to diagnose left PDH. This report describes a case of radiologically diagnosed left paraduodenal hernia and subsequent successful surgery. It also includes a review of midgut embryology, and the anatomy and radiology of left PDH.

internal hernia; paraduodenal hernia; diagnosis; upper abdominal pathology; surgery.