A case report of a combined laparoscopic-open approach to a bladder inguinal hernia and mesh herniorrhaphy

Abstract

Abstract An inguinoscrotal hernia of the urinary bladder is a rare surgical entity with an incidence of 0.5%–4%, in the literature. Its surgical management may vary given the paucity of information in the published literature. Most herniorrhaphy attempts have been open with some sporadic attempts at a laparoscopic preperitoneal repair. We present a unique combined approach involving a laparoscopic and open-mesh herniorrhaphy. The surgical outcomes are generally good, even in the presence of bladder complications such as necrosis or perforation. One of the advantages of the combined approach is the ability to confirm the pelvic bladder position posthernial reduction without the need for a voiding cystourethrogram. It also allows the surgeon to exclude any bladder injury which may have occurred during bladder reduction.