Ureteral obstruction and pyelonephritis caused by an inguinal hernia: report of a case.

An elderly man had pyelonephritis and sepsis owing to ureteral obstruction. Retrograde pyelography showed entrapment of the right ureter in an inguinal hernia. This condition, which may be congenital or acquired, should be considered before herniorrhapy is performed and as a possible cause of ureteral obstruction.