Filshie clip migration with multiple groin hernias: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Tubal occlusion is a common form of contraception. Filshie clips have been widely used for tubal occlusion since their introduction. Reports of Filshie clip migration are rare. We describe what we believe to be the first reported case of a patient with multiple groin hernias associated with migration of a Filshie clip. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of 56-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with a tender right groin lump. She had undergone a right-sided inguinal hernia repair 3 years earlier. Tubal occlusion had been performed using Filshie clips 21 years prior. Computed tomography revealed a tubal clip within her right inguinal region, and had also been identified on imaging prior to a previous hernia repair. Our patient underwent repair of a right femoral hernia, with the tubal clip identified in the sac and removed. She has since had no recurrences. CONCLUSION: Filshie clip migration is a rare event, with occasional complications occurring. This case highlights the importance of identification and removal of such foreign bodies, potentially reducing the risk of hernia recurrence or further complications.