A ventral hernia containing appendix; a case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Abdominal wall hernia is a protrusion of abdominal contents through an acquired or congenital weakness or wall defect. A ventral hernia, including an appendix, is a rare condition. The appendix in the hernial sac is already known as inguinal and femoral hernia and has been named Amyand hernia and De Garengeot hernia, respectively. CASE PRESENTATION: We have presented a 74-year-old woman with complaints of point tenderness in the right lower abdomen and para-umbilical and a palpable non-reducible mass over the para-umbilicus with some erythema on the skin, which started two days ago. With the help of imaging, diagnosis of abdominal wall hernia was made, with the appendix as the possible content, as there was evidence of an inflamed appendix lumen incarcerated through the abdominal wall. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: We have provided a detailed review of recent articles. Our comprehensive discussion includes an exploration of the typical manifestations, the significance of imaging in accurate diagnosis, and the appropriate measures to facilitate optimal surgical preparation. The treatment for ventral hernia typically involves appendectomy and abdominal wall hernia repair, with the specific approach depending on the severity of inflammation. CONCLUSION: Although abdominal wall hernia containing appendicitis is extremely rare, its clinical manifestations are hernia and acute appendicitis, the most common diseases in general surgery. Imaging may be helpful in diagnosis. According to our study, diagnostic laparoscopy could be used in case of clinical suspicion of abdominal wall hernia containing an appendix, although more studies are needed.