Strangulated Sliding Inguinoscrotal Hernia with a Gangrenous Bladder and Ileum

An inguinal bladder hernia (IBH) is a common ailment in males above 50 years of age, with serious consequences of strangulation, if neglected. It is highly uncommon to have a strangulated inguinal hernia and bladder gangrene. This case reports a strangulated sliding inguinoscrotal hernia with a gangrenous bladder and ileum. We present a case of a 75-year-old man, presenting to the emergency room, with complaints of abdominal pain, distension, and absolute constipation. Examination revealed a large, firm, tender left-sided irreducible inguinal hernia. X-ray showed small bowel obstruction. Intraoperatively, a hernia sac was found with a gangrenous ileum as a slider along with a gangrenous fundus of the urinary bladder. Gangrenous segments were removed, and herniorrhaphy and bladder wall defect repair were performed. Even though a bladder can be involved in inguinal hernias, it is very rarely diagnosed preoperatively. In our case, there were no urinary symptoms, and the symptoms of strangulation outweighed bladder involvement. In any elderly patient with a giant hernia, a bladder entrapment should be ruled out with a strong index of suspicion. Failure to do so may result in complications after surgery. Hence, we conclude that it is better if all patients with long-standing giant hernias have a computed tomography (CT) prior to surgery.