Meconium periorchitis: An incidentally diagnosed rare entity during inguinal herniorraphy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Neonatal Pathology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Meconium periorchitis (MPO) is a rare disorder resulting from meconium peritonitis, with meconium entering the scrotal sac via a patent processus vaginalis.
• MPO is infrequently diagnosed during surgical repair of inguinal hernias.

Observation:

• A male infant presented with left groin swelling, indicative of a reducible inguinal hernia.
• During herniotomy, greenish nodules with calcifications were observed within the hernia sac.
• Histopathological examination confirmed Meconium periorchitis (MPO).

Findings:

• The infant was diagnosed with atypical cystic fibrosis two months post-operatively.
• This case highlights the association between MPO and cystic fibrosis, although rare.

Implications:

• Clinicians should recognize MPO's presentation during inguinal hernia repair to avoid misdiagnosis or unnecessary procedures like orchiectomy.
• Awareness of MPO's potential association with cystic fibrosis is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.