Hernioscopy: a useful technique for the evaluation of incarcerated hernias that retract under anaesthesia

The diagnosis of strangulation within an incarcerated abdominal-wall hernia is not always possible preoperatively. In approximately 1% of cases of incarcerated hernias, a strangulated viscus will reduce spontaneously following administration of muscle relaxants during induction of anaesthesia, and the surgeon has to perform an exploratory laparotomy. The aim of this study was to report the use of hernioscopy to inspect intra-abdominal contents and thus prevent unnecessary laparotomy.

The case notes of all patients undergoing hernioscopy for incarcerated hernias that reduced spontaneously during induction of anaesthesia, skin incision, or prior to evaluation of sac contents were reviewed. Hernioscopy is performed following insertion of a 10-mm port through the hernia sac. Standard insufflation with carbon dioxide is performed, maintaining an intra-abdominal pressure of 10-12 mmHg following which the laparoscope is inserted and a diagnostic examination performed. Following completion of hernioscopy, the laparoscope is withdrawn, the pneumoperitoneum released, and the hernia repaired in a conventional manner using a tension-free technique.

Five patients underwent hernioscopy for the evaluation of incarcerated hernias that had reduced spontaneously prior to inspection of sac contents. There were four men with indirect inguinal hernias and one woman with an incarcerated femoral hernia. The hernioscopy of the four men was unremarkable and they went home the following day. The female patient had blood within the peritoneal cavity arising from the upper abdomen and underwent laparotomy and splenectomy. She made an unremarkable recovery and was discharged on postoperative day 7.

Hernioscopy is a simple and useful technique that can be performed by surgeons familiar with laparoscopic procedures such as appendicectomy and cholecystectomy.