Inguinal hernia containing urinary bladder-A case report

Introduction: Inguinal bladder hernia is rare condition found in about 1-5% of inguinal hernias. The condition is usually diagnosed intraoperatively. Patients rarely have symptoms regarding urinary tract. The best management is surgical, open surgical technique is preferred over laparoscopic. Possible urinary tract damage during surgery should be recognized and resolved.

Case presentation: The following paper presents case of inguinal bladder hernia in 82-year old Caucasian male. Patient presented at our emergency department with incarcerated left inguinal hernia. Preoperative ultrasound has shown small bowel loop inside hernia sac. The condition was diagnosed intraoperatively - the whole bladder was found inside hernia sac. During surgery minor damage of the bladder was caused and repaired. Hernia defect was repaired using Bassini hernioplasty.

Discussion: Elderly male more often present with inguinal bladder hernia. Sometimes urinary malignancy may be cause for inguinal bladder hernia. In cases where inguinal bladder is found inside hernia sac, urologist should be consulted to exclude urological pathology. Surgical treatment is indicated in all symptomatic patients. Patients with small, asymptomatic inguinal bladder hernias could be treated conservatively.

Conclusion: Physicians seeing patients with inguinal hernia should be aware that patient may have inguinal bladder hernia, especially in patients presenting with newly developed symptoms of lower urinary tract.