title: Diverticular abscess presenting as a strangulated inguinal hernia: case report and review of the literature.
abstract: Potentially life threatening diseases can mimic a groin hernia. We present an unusual case of diverticulitis with perforation and a resulting abscess presenting as a strangulated inguinal hernia. The features demonstrated were not due to strangulation of the contents of the hernia but rather pus tracking into the hernia sac from the peritoneal cavity. The patient underwent sigmoid resection and drainage of retroperitoneal and pericolonic abscesses. Radiological and laboratory studies augment in reaching a diagnosis. The differential diagnosis of inguinal swellings is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Craigavon Area Hospital, 68 Lurgan Road, Portadown BT63 5QQ, United Kingdom. imranandrabi@gmail.com
authors.forename: S Imran H
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Andrabi
authors.forename: Ashish
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pitale
authors.forename: Ahmed A S
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: El-Hakeem
mesh_terms: D018784:Abdominal Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D012809:Colon, Sigmoid; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004239:Diverticulitis, Colonic / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed