Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Femoral hernia with trapped appendix epiploica mimics female groin
By Sonoda A et al.·2026·Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Japan·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Femoral hernia with an incarcerated appendix epiploica mimicking a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck: a case series.
Plain-English summary
This study looked at two women who had a type of hernia called a femoral hernia, where a part of their body called the appendix epiploica (a small piece of fatty tissue) got trapped. This situation caused a swelling in the groin area that resembled a condition known as a hydrocele, which is a fluid-filled sac. Doctors used imaging tests to help figure out what was going on and confirmed the presence of the trapped tissue. They performed surgery to release the trapped tissue, which resolved the swelling, and both women recovered well after the operation. The findings suggest that this type of swelling can happen due to the trapping of the appendix epiploica in a femoral hernia, and the right imaging tests can help doctors choose the best treatment.
Abstract
In women, inguinal hernias that involve incarceration of intraperitoneal tissues can cause a hydrocele, which can be difficult to distinguish from a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck (HCN). We describe two cases in which an appendix epiploica (AE) became incarcerated in a femoral hernia, causing a hydrocele. In both cases, computed tomography indicated HCN as a differential diagnosis. Ultrasonography revealed protruding adipose tissue within the inguinal hydrocele, which was considered different from HCN. We performed laparoscopic surgery to diagnose, and found the AE incarcerated in femoral hernia. We released the AE, then the inguinal hydrocele completely disappeared. We performed transabdominal preperitoneal repair using mesh, and both patients experienced a favorable postoperative course. Inguinal hydrocele may be due to incarceration of an AE into a femoral hernia. By combining computed tomography and ultrasonography, the appropriate diagnosis and surgical procedure can be selected.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41913922