A rare case of pediatric inguinal hernia containing bilateral ovaries diagnosed intraoperatively

Ryoma Sakamoto ¹, Satoshi Matsuda ^1,2, Ryohei Uchimura ¹

⁰Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Kameda Medical Center, 929, Higashimachi, Kamogawa, Chiba 2960041, Japan.

Journal of Surgical Case Reports +

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December 25, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study reports an extremely rare case of an inguinal hernia containing both ovaries in a 6-year-old female. This condition is difficult to diagnose preoperatively and presents unique surgical challenges.

Area Of Science

Pediatric Surgery
Reproductive Medicine
Diagnostic Imaging

Background

Inguinal hernias are common in female infants.
Ovarian herniation is a known complication, but bilateral ovarian involvement is exceptionally rare.

Purpose Of The Study

To report a unique case of an inguinal hernia exclusively involving both ovaries.
To highlight diagnostic challenges and surgical implications.

Main Methods

Case presentation of a 6-year-old female with a left inguinal bulge.
Preoperative ultrasonography to assess the hernia sac contents.
Surgical exploration and hernia repair.

Main Results

Ultrasonography suggested ovarian herniation.
Intraoperative findings confirmed both ovaries within a single inguinal hernia sac.
No other organs were found prolapsed in the hernia.

Conclusions

Inguinal hernias exclusively involving both ovaries are exceedingly rare.
Preoperative diagnosis is challenging, posing a potential pitfall during hernial repair in pediatric patients.

Keywords:

inguinal hernia ovary preoperative diagnosis