Giant inguino-scrotal hernias seen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

Inguino-scrotal hernias are a common surgical problem especially in our rural areas. The aim of this study is to review six patients seen with giant inguinoscrotal hernias at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

A retrospective review of patients seen between 1985 and 1995 at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital with giant inguino-scrotal hernias was carried out.

The duration of the hernias ranged from twelve to thirty years. All the patients were above fifty-five years of age and eighty percent of them worked as farmers. Ninety percent of the patients developed cardio-respiratory difficulties when reduction was attempted during the operation. One patient had his operation converted to a bowel resection in order to allow for easy reduction. All developed severe scrotal haematoma and sepsis, one a full blown scrotal gangrene and another faecal fistula that resulted in death.

In view of the intensive care required following surgery and the complications of surgery, we are advocating a policy of wait and see till features of intestinal obstruction present for surgery to be contemplated.