Treatment of a half century year old giant inguinoscrotal hernia. A case report.
BACKGROUND
Inguinal hernias, although a common medical entity, can on rare occasions present as giant inguinoscrotal hernias, mostly because of the patient's rejection of timely surgical management.


METHODS
A 77year old patient, with a giant inguinoscrotal hernia history for more than 50 years, was advised to undergo surgical treatment due to recurrent urinary tract infections and vague abdominal pain. Physical examination showed a right sided giant inguinoscrotal hernia extending below the midpoint of the inner thigh. Preoperative CT examination confirmed a giant inguinoscrotal hernia containing the whole of the small bowel along with its mesentery.


CONCLUSIONS
Giant inguinoscrotal hernias are classified into three types based on size, with each one posing a challenge to treat. There are a number of surgical options and recommendations available, depending on the type of hernia. They require close postoperative observation, because the sudden increase in the intra-abdominal pressure can account for a number of complications. Our case was classified as a type II hernia, having longevity of more than 50 years. Despite this, it was treated with forced reduction and no debulking through an extended inguinal and lower midline incision, forming a 'V shaped' incision. Patient recovery was uneventful and he was discharged on the 10th postoperative day.


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative management and the correct surgical plan depending on the case are key elements in the successful treatment of this rare surgical entity.
1st Department of Surgery, 401 Army General Hospital of Athens, Greece. Electronic address: sachsamanis@hotmail.com.
Georgios
G
Sahsamanis
1st Department of Surgery, 401 Army General Hospital of Athens, Greece.
Stavros
S
Samaras
1st Department of Surgery, 401 Army General Hospital of Athens, Greece.
Anestis
A
Basios
1st Department of Surgery, 401 Army General Hospital of Athens, Greece.
Konstantinos
K
Katis
1st Department of Surgery, 401 Army General Hospital of Athens, Greece.
Georgios
G
Dimitrakopoulos
Giant inguinal hernia; Hernia meshplasty; Inguinoscrotal hernia