[Elective surgical treatment of a giant scrotal hernia]

We report on a 69-year-old man presenting with a giant scrotal hernia, who failed to tolerate a pre-operative pneumoperitoneum applied with the intention to increase his intra-abdominal capacity. After enlarging the hernial orifice, the hernia contents - comprising the entire small bowel, the right colon and the greater omentum - were replaced into the abdominal cavity. Closure of the abdominal wound with mesh support was possible only after extensive resection of the small bowel, together with the voluminous mesentery and greater omentum. In a second operation performed later on revision of the scrotum and penis was undertaken. It is not always possible to achieve the required increase in intra-abdominal capacity through the use of a pneumoperitoneum. In such cases, extensive bowel resections and the use of biomaterials for tension-free abdominal wall repair must form an integral part of the treatment concept. Surgical management of such giant hernias has to be adapted to the individual situation of the patient using all therapeutic options.