Symptomatic lump during lockdown - A case of de Garengeot's hernia

De Garengeot's hernia is rare and describes a femoral hernia containing the vermiform appendix. Pre-operative diagnosis is at times difficult and operative intervention can prove challenging.

We report a case of a 75-year-old woman with a swelling to the right groin for over 10 years which increased in size and became intermittently painful over a period of two weeks. Patient stated that an earlier consult was not sought as she had concerns about having to stay in hospital with the ongoing global pandemic and her significant cardiac history. Ultrasound and contrast enhanced Computed Tomography (CT) revealed typical radiological features of an inflamed appendix herniating through the femoral canal.

Due to its rarity a preoperative diagnosis of a de Garengeot hernia may be difficult. There is currently no consensus to surgical approach in this setting, management is widely varied and based on the preference and expertise available during these emergency procedures.

The de Garengeot hernia though uncommon should be recognised as a differential when faced with an incarcerated femoral hernia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case that combines ultrasound, CT findings and a preperitoneal surgical intervention.