[Emergency management of a monstrous inguinal hernia]

We report the case history of a 59 year old male patient, who suffered from a giant congenital inguinal hernia, which was operated because of a rapid increase of size and imminent obstruction of intestines. The treatment was carried out with non absorbable mesh. A part of the hernial sac was left in place. After a wound infection the non absorbable prosthetic mesh was substituted by absorbable material. The postoperative monitoring in the intensive care unit with artificial ventilation and the further treatment are described.