Case Report of a Rare Finding in Inguinal Hernia Surgery

Abstract

Amyand's hernia is a rare form of inguinal hernia in which the vermiform appendix is situated within the hernia sac. The vermiform appendix may become incarcerated within the sac resulting in complications like inflammation, strangulation, and rupture. Amyand's hernia has the same mode of presentation as inguinal hernia. This indistinguishable clinical feature presents a diagnostic dilemma to the surgeon. Reported herein is a case of Amyand's hernia in a fifteen-year-old boy. He was seen at our surgical clinic with a presumably uncomplicated reducible right inguinal hernia. He underwent elective surgery under a spinal block. Operative findings were a lipoma of the sac and a non-inflamed appendix as content. He subsequently had a reduction of the vermiform appendix and high ligation of the inguinal hernia. He had a smooth recovery after surgery and was discharged on the second postoperative day. He has had an uneventful six months follow-up. This case report emphasizes the need to individualize the management of patients with this rare pathologic condition and a review of the management of Amyand's hernia.