Laparoscopic relief of reduction en-masse in an inguinal hernia: A case report

A rare case of reduction en masse of incarcerated inguinal hernia: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Reduction en masse is a rare complication of incarcerated inguinal hernias, occurring when the herniated sac, along with the trapped hernia, returns to the preperitoneal space.

CASE PRESENTATION

In this study, we describe a 74-year-old male patient who presented to the hospital with a history of manual hernia reduction and complaints of nausea, vomiting, and constipation for two weeks. After undergoing paraclinical tests, he underwent open surgery with a diagnosis of hernia reduction en masse, during which the hernia sac was separated from the surrounding structures. Abdominal and peritoneal defects were also repaired intra-abdominally. After his condition stabilized, the patient was discharged with prescription medications.

DISCUSSION

Reduction en masse in inguinal hernia cases is rare, where the hernia sac and intestinal contents are reduced while the intestine remains incarcerated. Computed tomography (CT) scans can aid in diagnosis, revealing characteristic features such as closed-loop obstruction and inguinal soft tissue changes. Treatment options include open laparotomy and laparoscopy, with laparoscopy being preferred depending on surgeon expertise, assessment of intestinal viability post-reduction, and patient stability.

CONCLUSIONS

The potential complications of hernia reduction en masse should be emphasized to patients who choose not to remain under medical supervision, as well as to physicians and surgeons when patients re-present following manual hernia reduction. Increasing awareness about this condition at relevant times is crucial.

Successful laparoscopic repair for reduction en masse of infantile inguinal hernia: a case report of this rare condition

Background

Reduction en masse (REM) is a rare condition following manual inguinal hernia (IH) reduction in which a hernia sac is reduced back into the preperitoneal space with a loop of the bowel incarcerated at the neck of the sac. It resembles successful manual reduction and may thus be overlooked easily. We herein report an infantile case of REM of an IH that was successfully treated laparoscopically.

Case presentation

A 10-month-old boy with a surgical history of bilateral open IH repair at 4 months old presented with a bulge in his left groin and vomiting. A left incarcerated recurrent IH was suspected, and manual reduction was performed. The hernia was apparently reduced successfully, but abdominal distention and vomiting persisted. He was admitted for further observation due to the symptoms. On day 2 after admission, abdominal X-ray showed extensive small bowel obstruction (SBO). Enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed protrusion of the small bowel with a closed-loop in the left groin. A closed-loop SBO due to postoperative adhesion or an internal hernia was suspected. To assess the etiology of SBO, emergent laparoscopic exploration with hernia repair was planned. Laparoscopy revealed REM of the left incarcerated IH with a thickened peritoneum at the neck of the sac. Laparoscopic reduction was performed, and the incarcerated small bowel showed no signs of ischemia. The hernia sac was not associated with the previously ligated processes vaginalis, which had been closed by a previous Potts’ procedure. It was located at the inside of the processes vaginalis. The sac was successfully closed by laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure procedures, and iliopubic tract repair was also performed via the previous inguinal incision. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Conclusion

Pediatric IH is due to the patent processes vaginalis, and REM is extremely rare. Laparoscopic surgery for REM is a relatively common and useful approach for the diagnosis and treatment of adults. In our infantile case, the laparoscopic approach was similarly effective for both investigating the cause of SBO and performing high ligation of the sac for this rare condition with IH.