Irreducible indirect inguinal hernia containing uterus and bilateral adnexa in a premature female infant: report of an exceptional case and review of the literature

Abstract

Indirect inguinal hernia is the most common congenital anomaly in the pediatric age group. About 15-20% of hernias in infant girls contain ovary, sometimes with a Fallopian tube. The presence of the uterus incarcerated with the adnexa is a very unusual occurrence in female infants with normal kariotype and phenotype, being commonly associated with several disorders of sex development. The surgical repair of this form of hernia is more difficult than a common herniorrhaphy because of the adhesions between the organs and the wall of the sac and the risk of damage during their freeing. We present a rare case of irreducible indirect inguinal hernia containing uterus and bilateral adnexa (fallopian tubes and ovaries) in a premature female infant, discussing the etiopathogenesis and the surgical features of this disorder.