A CASE OF INCARCERATION OF THE FEMORAL HERNIA OF PHLEGMONOUS APPENDIX

Abstract

We experienced a rare case of femoral hernia of the phlegmonous appendix. An 83-year-old female was admitted to the hospital because of a tumor in the inguinal region and lower abdominal pain. Ultrasonography revealed a luminal organ in the sac, which started from the abdominal cavity. It was diagnosed as Richter's hernia and an operation was performed. Operative findings showed the femoral hernia of the phlegmonous appendix. Following appendectomy at the same wound, the cecum was replaced into the peritoneal cavity, and a high ligation of the sac and the anatomic repair were accomplished.
The diagnosis of the content in the hernia sac is difficult to make prior to surgery, but ultrasonography is helpful. It is important to entertain the appendix as a probable content of the hernia, if some luminal organ is comfirmed. In terms of cosmetic aspect and les surgical intervension, it is advantagous to deal with the appendix through the same wound for the hernia, if possible.