Work

Cord structure within an inguinal hernia: could the ureter be involved?

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Inguinal hernias are commonly encountered and are primarily managed by surgeons; however, it is unusual for retroperitoneal structures, such as the ureter, to herniate into it. More importantly, hernias containing ureters are not usually identified preoperatively unless specific imaging was ordered prior, as they are generally asymptomatic. This poses a risk to the patient as unidentified structures can be mistakenly injured during the surgery. We describe a case of a man in his 60s, who presented with a large left-sided indirect inguinoscrotal hernia. Intraoperatively, a large amount of irreducible retroperitoneal fat was encountered in addition to a cord-like structure, which was discovered to be the left ureter after reviewing imaging intraoperatively. Initially, the hernia repair was done robotically, but it was converted to open repair due to its irreducibility and the potential risk imposed on the ureter. Additionally, we discuss the aetiology and common presentations of this kind of hernia.

Source: BMJ Case Reports

DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2024-260761

Authors: Fatemeh Akbarpoor, Khadeeja Aakef, Asma Alshehhi, Faisel Ikram

Institutions: Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mediclinic City Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Hernia repair and management

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences