Incarcerated right inguinal hernia containing sigmoid colon: An unusual case report

Abstract

Introduction: Incarcerated inguinal hernia is an irreducible but the blood supply to the contained part is intact, but developing towards strangulation. Diagnosis usually made by physical examination. The content of hernia sac may vary. The usual finding is a segment of small intestine and less commonly large intestine. Except in sliding hernia, the sigmoid colon is not common in inguinal hernia, especially on the right side.

Case report: We report a rare case of an incarcerated right side inguinal hernia containing the sigmoid colon of a 65-year old male, diagnosed with physical examination and abdominal ultrasonography. This patient treated by reducing the content of hernia sac and herniorraphy in general surgery ward of Aliabad Teaching Hospital.

Discussion: Inguinal hernia is the commonest of all groin hernia. Incarcerated inguinal hernia can lead to intestinal obstruction, strangulation and infarction. The content of inguinal hernia varies widely. In our case, the content of hernia sac was the incarcerated loop of sigmoid colon. The sigmoid colon is commonly found to herniate at the left inguinal region, but as a content of a right side inguinal hernia is rare.

Conclusion: The sigmoid colon as a content of a right side inguinal hernia is rare. Mesh repair has always been a subject of debate due to increased risk of mesh infection rates. Many patients present complications due to delayed elective repair of inguinal hernia.

Keywords: Case report; Incarcerated inguinal hernia; Right side; Sigmoid colon.