Incidentally found Bilaterally Occult Femoral Hernia during Transabdominal Preperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Case Report

Abstract

Hernia is defined as an area of anatomical weakness or an abnormal protrusion of a viscous or a part of a viscous through an opening, covering it. Inguinal hernia is the most common hernia because of the presence of natural weakness like the deep ring and cord structures. The minimally invasive procedures for inguinal hernia repair include Intraperitoneal Onlay Mesh (IPOM) repair, Transabdominal Preperitoneal Repair (TAPP), and Total Extraperitoneal (TEP) repair. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has the advantage of inspecting the entire myopectineal orifice, as it allows for the identification of bilateral or recurrent hernias. The principle behind laparoscopic repair includes strengthening of myopectineal orifice in all the above approaches. TAPP repair is mainly indicated for large indirect hernias or irreducible hernia. TEP repair is technically challenging to perform and has the advantage of avoiding interbowel adhesions as the peritoneum is not opened. IPOM repair is not routinely performed but has advantages in cases where there is an increased risk of spermatic cord injury seen in patients with a history of lower abdominal irradiation or a history of multiple recurrent hernia surgery. Occult contralateral inguinal hernia and the occult femoral hernia can be easily diagnosed and repaired with no extra incisions while performing TAPP repair. These hernias, if left untreated may present as recurrent hernias or as non resolution of symptoms posthernia surgery. A rare case of bilateral occult femoral hernia found during laparoscopic TAPP repair of an inguinal hernia was reported. The entire myopectineal orifice was repaired using the same mesh with no extra risk or cost.