Unexpected De Garengeot hernia in elective femoral hernia repair: A case report.

INTRODUCTION

Femoral hernia is more common in women than in men, with the content of hernia sac typically being omentum or small bowel. De-Garengeot's hernia is a rare surgical condition where appendix is found inside a femoral hernia. Its unusual presentation often leads to an intraoperative diagnosis.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the case of a 79-year-old woman who presented for an elective day case surgery for femoral hernia repair and intra-operatively, appendix was found inside the hernia sac. The patient underwent open femoral hernia repair, and the appendix was pushed inside along with the sac contents (as the appendix was not found inflamed). The patient made good post-operative recovery and was discharged on the same day.

DISCUSSION

De-Garengeot hernia should be suspected in any patients coming with groin swelling, particularly if there's a possibility of incarcerated femoral hernia. CT scan can help to diagnose the condition pre operatively, but it is mainly found during operation. Management is surgical and depends on intra-operative findings.

CONCLUSION

Despite being a rare case, a De-Garengeot hernia must be a differential diagnosis when evaluating a patient for a femoral hernia. Surgeons must be prepared for unexpected intraoperative findings.