Laparoscopic Repair of Extraperitoneal Ureteral Inguinal Hernia With Mesh Placement

Ureteral inguinal hernias are a well-described entity, within the spectrum of sliding hernias, with over 140 cases described since 1880. Though herniation of the ureter is relatively rare and complete ureteric obstruction is infrequent, a massive herniation may cause complete obstruction, leading to hydronephrosis. Management of these hernias is challenging and poses a significant danger of inadvertent injury and entrapment of a tortuous ureter. When faced with this type of hernia, extreme care should be taken to perform the appropriate preoperative workup and thoroughly plan the surgical approach. The present case describes a patient with a known ureteral inguinal hernia, who underwent a laparoscopic repair of the hernia with mesh placement.