Incarcerated inguinal hernia plus intestinal perforation in a 4-month-old infant. Case Study

Abstract

A hernia is when part or even all of an internal organ protrudes through an abnormal opening in the wall of the cavity that houses that organ. An inguinal hernia, which is a protrusion of part of the intestine through the abdominal wall into the inguinal region, occurs frequently in both children and adults. Two common problems that can occur as a result of an inguinal hernia are obstruction, which refers to blockage of the intestine, and strangulation, which occurs when the blood supply to the herniated tissue is interrupted. An inguinal hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine moves through an area of low resistance in the lower abdomen, and this anatomical space is called the groin. A hernia can cause a portion of the intestine to bulge into the groin area, forming a noticeable bulge. As time progresses, hernias may experience an increase in size. An incarcerated hernia occurs when the hernia sac undergoes prolonged inflammation that prevents the herniated structures from returning to their original position. As a result, venous blood flow to the internal organs and lymphatic system is interrupted, leading to a gradual and lasting impact on the hernia. This causes compression, reduces circulation, which can lead to oxygen deprivation in the tissues (ischemia) and cell death (necrosis), and can even perforate the bowel and trigger severe inflammation of the abdominal lining (peritonitis). We report a 4-month-old male infant patient with incarcerated inguinal hernia since birth, who underwent laparoscopic surgical resolution