title: Strangulated intestinal hernia through a drain site.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intra-abdominal drains have been widely used in order to prevent intra-abdominal fluid accumulation and detection of anastomotic leakage.
  
  
  METHODS
  We herein report a case of small bowel herniation followed by strangulation in an 82 year old woman who had undergone sigmoidectomy for colorectal cancer.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although several complications related to drain usage such as drainsite infection, hemorrhage and intestinal perforation may occur, intestinal incarceration through drain site is rarely reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Drains must be used with caution and only if indicated. Careful insertion, regular post-operative or post-removal inspection is strongly recommended.
authors.affiliation: 1st Department of General Surgery, 417 NIMTS, Veterans Administration Hospital of Athens, 10-12 Monis Petraki St, Athens 11521, Greece.
authors.forename: Evangelos
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Falidas
authors.forename: Stavros
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mathioulakis
authors.forename: Konstantinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vlachos
authors.forename: Emmanouil
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pavlakis
authors.forename: Constantinos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Villias