A case of giant inguinal hernia with intestinal malrotation

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Giant inguinal hernia is uncommon nowadays. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 75-year-old man with schizophrenia presented with complaints of episodic abdomen pain and constipation accompanied by a huge right scrotal mass. Physical examination revealed a large, irreducible, non-tender right inguinoscrotal hernia. The hernial mass was about 30 cm and extended to the midpoint of the inner thigh. At laparotomy, the intestine from the proximal transverse colon to the terminal ileum with mesentery was found to have herniated through the right inguinal tract without evidence of ischemia or strangulation. The ascending colon showed no adherence to the retroperitoneum and the third and fourth parts of the duodenum descended vertically without Treitz's ligament. The inguinal defect was closed without complications. Ladd's procedure and appendectomy were performed simultaneously. DISCUSSION: Several techniques such as distending the abdominal wall progressively or debulking the abdominal contents have been reported. However, no consensus has been reached on a standard surgical procedure for the management of giant inguinoscrotal hernias. CONCLUSION: This was the first reported case of giant inguinal hernia containing malrotated intestine. © 2012 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.