Hernia en masse

Described is the case of a patient who developed symptoms compatible with small bowel obstruction approximately 16 hours after a difficult self-performed left inguinal hernia reduction. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, and release of an incarcerated loop of ileum was performed. A large inguinal hernia defect also was found, and this was repaired with a Cooper's ligament repair. The patient recovered uneventfully.