Acute right-lower-quadrant mass presenting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Hernia formation at trocar sites has been reported following laparoscopic surgical procedures. We present a case, however, of a healthy woman with signs, symptoms, and physical findings consistent with an incarcerated inguinal hernia 3 days after an uneventful laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a small bile leak from an accessory duct of Luschka but did not identify an intra-abdominal process responsible for the patient's symptoms. Following the exploration, it was felt that the patient's presentation was likely due to tracking of carbon dioxide and bile-stained irrigation fluid to the right lower quadrant from the lateral laparoscopic trocar sites.