[Massive vesicoinguinal hernia and acute renal failure. An infrequent association]

To report a rare complication of acute renal failure secondary to massive vesicoinguinal hernia. To our knowledge, only 4 cases have been previously reported in the literature.

Herein we describe a case of massive vesicoinguinal hernia in a patient that had presented at the emergency services with symptoms of acute renal failure. The diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this rare complication are discussed.

Patient evaluation showed a left inguinal hernia and benign hyperplasia of the prostate. Blood analytical findings were compatible with acute renal failure. A left massive vesicoinguinal hernia was detected on ultrasound evaluation and confirmed by retrograde cystography. Treatment was by surgical repair of the inguinal hernia, bladder repositioning and cervicoprostatotomy plus TUR of the excrescent bladder lesions to resolve the obstruction.

Massive vesicoinguinal hernia may go undetected if the symptoms are unremarkable and may mimick those of acute renal failure.