When an inguinal hernia is more than just a hernia with ovary and fallopian tube involvement: a case report

Finding an ovary and/or fallopian tube within an indirect inguinal hernia is a rare occurrence that can be detected incidentally during elective surgery or present as a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Hence, it poses a difficult clinical picture in a reproductive-age woman with groin mass.

We describe the case of a 45-year-old Ethiopian woman of Amhara ethnicity who presented with a left inguinal swelling that persisted for 5 years. Physical examination revealed an irreducible, non-tender lump in the left groin and an ultrasonography scan confirmed the presence of an indirect inguinal hernia. The patient was then scheduled for elective hernia repair. During the surgery, both her left ovary and fallopian tube were found within the hernial sac. The contents were released from the sac, high ligation performed, and the inguinal floor repaired with mesh.

Inguinal hernias in women are rare and often present a diagnostic challenge. Although the exact pathogenesis of inguinal hernias containing female genital organs is unknown, some risk factors have been postulated. Diagnosis should start with a physical exam and imaging, but many of the cases have been intraoperative surprises. Management is primarily surgical, ranging from simple reduction and hernia repair to salpingo-oophorectomy depending on the status of the hernia contents.

This report emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion when examining females with inguinal hernias to ensure accurate diagnosis and management of tubo-ovarian hernias. Although rare, inguinal hernias containing female genital organs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of inguinal hernias, as early detection and appropriate surgical management can prevent potential complications.