A 37-year-old man presented with symptoms of intestinal obstruction. Laparotomy revealed a congenital left mesocolic hernia. Partial removal ofthe hernial sac that largely enclosed the small intestine resulted in a speedy recovery. Thereafter the patient was able to eat without abdominal symptoms. Congenital mesocolic hernias are an infrequent cause of intestinal obstruction. In order to conduct the operation properly, surgeons must have a good understanding of the origin of the hernia and its anatomic relationships.
