Fournier's gangrene complicating ruptured Richter's inguinal hernia

The deceptive entity of Richter's hernia typically presents with complications that are usually associated with high morbidity and mortality.

The purpose of this case report is to highlight the association between Richter's groin hernia and Fournier's gangrene as demonstrated in a patient we managed recently.

A case report of the management of an elderly patient who presented with Fournier's gangrene to a Nigerian tertiary institution following a neglected Richter's hernia on the right groin. The scrotal gangrene was managed by aggressive debridement and secondary closure while the ruptured caecal Richter's hernia was treated by a limited right hemicolectomy with end-to-end ileocolonic anastomosis and repair of the internal ring.

We describe a rare case of Fournier's gangrene complicating a neglected caecal Richter's inguinal hernia in a 75-year-old Nigerian; highlighting the pathogenesis and management options.

Caecal Richter's hernia can be associated with Fournier's gangrene.