Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Rare painful groin lump caused by De Garengeot hernia
By Huynh I & Strauss P.·2025·General Surgery·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: A Rare Case of De Garengeot Hernia With Acute Appendicitis: Diagnostic and Surgical Challenges in a Regional Setting.
Plain-English summary
This case discusses a rare type of hernia called a De Garengeot hernia, which occurs when the appendix is trapped in a femoral hernia in the groin. A patient came to a regional hospital with a painful lump in their right groin that couldn't be pushed back in. A CT scan showed that the hernia was causing appendicitis, which is an infection of the appendix. The patient had surgery to remove the appendix and then repair the hernia without using mesh, as there was some inflammation that could lead to complications. The treatment was successful, demonstrating that careful planning and imaging can help manage such uncommon conditions effectively, even in places with limited resources.
Abstract
Appendicitis and incarcerated groin hernias are common surgical emergencies, typically managed independently. A De Garengeot hernia, defined as a femoral hernia containing the vermiform appendix, represents a rare convergence of both pathologies and poses unique diagnostic and operative challenges, particularly in resource-limited, regional settings. We present a case of a patient who arrived at a regional hospital with a painful, irreducible right-sided groin lump. CT imaging revealed a De Garengeot hernia with associated acute appendicitis. The patient underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy followed by open femoral hernia repair using suture technique without mesh, due to intraoperative evidence of inflammation and contamination. A hernia diagnosis is often clinical, but imaging is often used in stable patients to clarify anatomy and guide management. Surgical decision-making must consider contamination risk, with mesh repair avoided in infected fields to minimise complications such as mesh infection and recurrence. This case highlights the importance of early imaging, individualised surgical planning, and flexibility in operative approach when managing rare pathologies like De Garengeot hernia with acute appendicitis in regional environments. Awareness of this entity and appropriate surgical strategy can lead to successful outcomes, even in resource-limited settings.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41357729