title: A large incarcerated Meckel's diverticulum in an inguinal hernia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Littre's hernia is a rare finding consisting of a Meckel's diverticulum inside of a hernia sac. Clinically, it is indistinguishable from a hernia involving small bowel and therefore may be difficult to diagnose pre-operatively.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report a case of an inguinal hernia involving an unusually large Meckel's diverticulum measuring 15cm in length. The diverticulum was resected using a linear GI stapler and the hernia was repaired without complication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Meckel's diverticulum is an embryologic remnant of the vitelline duct occurring in 1-3% of the adult population with an estimated 4% becoming complicated and presenting with intestinal obstruction, infection, bleeding or herniation. Surgical resection is the recommended treatment for any Meckel's diverticulum causing symptoms. In the case of a Littre's hernia, resection of the diverticulum should be followed by repair of the fascial defect in a standard fashion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Littre's hernia, although rare, should be a consideration at the time of repair for any abdominal hernia involving small bowel as resection of the Meckel's diverticulum is critical in avoiding recurrent complications.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3. Electronic address: michael.horkoff@alumni.ubc.ca.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Horkoff
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317-2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3.
authors.forename: Nathan G Chan
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Smyth
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, 950 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 1M9.
authors.forename: James M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hunter
keywords: Littre's hernia; Meckel's diverticulum; Vitelline duct