Laparoscopic identification of combined pediatric femoral hernia and ruptured abdominal cyst of the canal of Nuck: A report of an extremely rare case.

A 7-year-old girl was referred to our hospital with a suspected right-sided indirect inguinal hernia. An egg-sized elastic, non-painful mass was palpated in the right inguinal region. Preoperative CT demonstrated a 30-mm simple cystic mass in the right internal inguinal canal, which we diagnosed as an abdominal cyst of the canal of Nuck. Laparoscopy revealed that the abdominal cystic component was ruptured, so we performed Pott's procedure. However, the patient's right groin swelled on postoperative day 3, necessitating re-operation. The patient's symptoms recurred again after 3 months, despite having had two surgical repairs. In the third operation, a right-sided femoral hernia was confirmed and repaired via external and laparoscopic approaches. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports on the combination of femoral hernia and cyst of the canal of Nuck in children. A laparoscopic approach was useful for obtaining a definitive diagnosis and conducting a safe and secure surgical repair.

Canal of Nuck Abnormalities.

Canal of Nuck abnormalities are underrecognized causes of labial masses with potential adverse outcomes. The 2 main categories of canal of Nuck abnormalities are hernias and hydroceles. There are 3 types of canal of Nuck hydroceles: communicating, encysted, and bilocular. Canal of Nuck hernia contents vary, but those containing ovaries need urgent medical attention because of an increased risk of ischemia. Ultrasound can establish a definite diagnosis in all cases. This article reviews the embryologic characteristics, anatomy, pathologic characteristics, and imaging features of these abnormalities while providing a clear pictorial depiction of various unique hernias and hydroceles seen with this entity.

Contralateral processus closure to prevent metachronous inguinal hernia: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most frequent operations in pediatric surgery and is increasingly performed laparoscopically. The latter introduced new momentum in the debate on the necessity of contralateral exploration, as the rates of contralateral patent processus vaginales and metachronous inguinal hernias determine whether a routine closure would be overtreatment or useful prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus at the 6th of September 2017; reference lists and CrossRef were snowballed for reports citing identified studies. Eligibility criteria were age <18 years, preoperative diagnosis of unilateral hernia, laparoscopic evaluation, and publication since January 2012. Studies using hernioscopy (transinguinal laparoscopy) were excluded. We reported our systematic review following PRISMA criteria. RESULTS: We included 32 reports consisting of 19,188 pediatric patients diagnosed with unilateral inguinal hernia. Of these, 38.5% (95% confidence interval: 34%-43.1%) had a contralateral open processus vaginalis concomitantly found during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. A secondary analysis using nine studies that compared open and laparoscopic approaches found that prophylactic closure of contralateral patent processus vaginales resulted in a risk difference of 5.7% (95% confidence interval: 3.6%-7.7%; P < 0.001) following 2691 (42.8%) procedures (nine studies: Ten of 6282 patients operated laparoscopically had a metachronous hernia, versus 286 of 5764 with open hernia repair). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic closure of a contralateral patent processus vaginalis reduces the number of metachronous inguinal hernias, but about 18 procedures must be performed to prevent one metachronous inguinal hernia, indicating that the indication should be based on personal circumstances of the patient.

The clinical significance of an incidentally detected open internal inguinal ring.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: An open internal inguinal ring (IIR) may be discovered incidentally either in the context of correcting pathology involving the contralateral side or at the time of surgical exploration for reasons unrelated to a patent processus vaginalis (PPV). The aim of this study is to determine the evolution of an incidentally encountered open IIR in patients undergoing laparoscopy for reasons not associated with unilateral inguinal hernia or cryptorchidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors conducted a prospective study of all patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery in the department of pediatric surgery at Agios Loukas hospital between 2004 and 2013 for various indications. Patients operated for inguinal hernia and cryptorchidism were excluded. During this period, 572 patients underwent laparoscopy for reasons not related to PPV. The median age at time of initial laparoscopy was 9,4 years (range 2 days-16 years). The IIRs were always inspected. No attempt was made to repair the open IIRs, as they were asymptomatic. Parents were informed after the operation, and instructions were given to inform us, in case that inguinal hernia symptoms manifested. The duration of the follow-up was 4 years. RESULTS: Among these 572 patients, 39 patients with 44 open IIRs were found (6,82%). From the 39 patients, 35 were male and four were female; 22 had a right open IIR, 12 had a left one, and five of them a bilateral open IIR. The median age was 7,82 years (3-14 years). Four patients were lost during follow-up. Of the remaining 35 patients with 40 open IIRs, four developed an inguinal hernia (11,43%) and were operated on with laparoscopically assisted (subcutaneous endoscopically assisted ligation [SEAL]) technique at the time of diagnosis. The study results are demonstrated on Fig. 1. DISCUSSION: The percentage of an incidentally discovered open IIR in this study is lower in comparison with studies including patients with PPV pathologies. There is a possibility, in those patients, of underlying pathology which can affect both sides. It is also lower in comparison with previous studies including younger patients. However, gender and side predominance is in accordance with most published studies. In this study group, the possibility of developing a symptomatic hernia from an asymptomatic open IIR is rather small. CONCLUSIONS: An incidentally discovered open IIR in patients without symptoms, excluding those with contralateral inguinal hernias or cryptorchidism, has relatively low chance of developing an inguinal hernia. Thus, the authors support the strategy of close follow-up in these patients.

Nuck Canal Hernias, Typical and Unusual Ultrasound Findings.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia in girls is a very rare condition. The cause of this pathology is incomplete closure of the processus vaginalis of the peritoneum, in girls named the canal of Nuck. Failed obliteration of this canal could result in hernia or hydrocele. Also less frequent findings, such as uterus herniated to the canal, were observed. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the possible findings in female inguinal hernias and its ultrasound appearance. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with surgically confirmed hernias of the canal of Nuck were identified at our institution between January 2007 and November 2015. All the patients underwent ultrasonography before surgery. RESULTS: In 14 cases, there was hydrocele of the canal of Nuck. In 9 cases, intestinal hernia was found. In 10 patients, the hernia content appeared as mass-containing cysts and was confirmed at surgery as ovary. In 1 patient, the ovary was herniated together with uterus. In 1 patient, atypical hypoechoic lesion was found, which turned out to be angiofibrolipoma. In all patients, ultrasound diagnosis was confirmed by surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound examination performed with high-frequency transducer is an examination of choice in female patients with pathological mass in inguinal region.

Is excision of testicular nubbin necessary in vanishing testis syndrome?

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Vanishing Testes Syndrome1 (VTS) is one of the most common causes of impalpable testes in children. The role of removal of testicular nubbins owing to malignant potential in VTS is unclear. We sought to evaluate whether testicular nubbins need to be excised owing to this potential. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of children with a clinical diagnosis of impalpable testes aged 0-18 who presented to our tertiary hospital between 2007 and 2017. VTS was defined as the presence of hypoplastic vas entering a closed internal inguinal ring or remnants of gonadal tissue distally. Data collected included: age at operation, need for laparoscopy, location of nubbin and histopathological findings. RESULTS: We identified 50 consecutive children (mean age 2.4 years, range: 7 months to 12 years) with a clinical diagnosis of impalpable testis. Forty-eight of the 50 underwent laparoscopy with no testicle palpable when examined under anesthesia. Thirty-three children had VTS confirmed at laparoscopy and testicular nubbins identified with three of these being bilateral. Thirty-two children had these nubbins excised with histopathology available for 31 individual testes. Thirty were confirmed testicular nubbins with no viable testicular tissue. No malignancies were identified. CONCLUSION: Results from this study show that testicular nubbins do not have viable germ cells and therefore do not need to be excised on the basis of malignant potential of residual testicular tissue. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV treatment study.

[Pathologies of peritoneo-vaginal canal in pediatric surgery at the teaching hospital Gabriel Touré]. / Les Pathologies du Canal Peritoneo-Vaginal en Chirurgie Pediatrique du CHU Gabriel Toure.

The closure anomalies of the peritoneal-vaginal canal include several clinical entities, which are at the origin of various symptomatology. OBJECTIVE: To study the anatomo-clinical and therapeutic aspects of pathologies of the peritoneal-vaginal canal. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This was a prospective study from January 1st to December 31st, 2015 carried out in the pediatric surgery department of University Hospital Gabriel Touré. It covered all children aged 0-15 years old with a pathology of the peritoneal-vaginal canal operating in the department during the study period. This study did not include cases that were not operated on or not seen during the study period. RESULTS: During the study period, 2,699 children were treated in pediatric surgery, of which 150 cases of pathology of the peritoneal-vaginal canal had a hospital frequency of 5.5%. The average age was 3.25 ± 9.63 years. The sex ratio was 14. The reason for consultation was intermittent or permanent inguinal or inguino-scrotal swelling in all children. The pathology was discovered by the parents during the pushing efforts in 46.7%. Inguino-scrotal swelling was found on physical examination in 40% of cases. The right side was reached in 60% of the cases. Hernia accounted for 80.6% of these pathologies. We recorded 31 cases of strangulation and 11 cases of craze. Immediate operative follow-up was simple in 92% of patients. This rate was 96% after 6 months. CONCLUSION: Pathologies of the peritoneal-vaginal canal are very common in pediatric surgical practice. The first place of these pathologies is occupied by hernia. They preferentially affect male infants.

Les anomalies de fermeture du canal péritonéo-vaginal (CPV) regroupent plusieurs entités cliniques qui sont à l'origine d'une symptomatologie variée. OBJECTIF: étudier les aspects anatomo-cliniques et thérapeutiques des pathologies du canal péritonéo-vaginal. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODE: il s'agissait d'une étude prospective du 1er Janvier au 31 Décembre 2015 réalisée dans le service de chirurgie pédiatrique du CHU Gabriel Touré. Elle a porté sur tous les enfants de 0-15 ans présentant une pathologie du canal péritonéo-vaginal opérés dans le service pendant la période d'étude. N'ont pas fait partie de cette étude, les cas non opérés et ou non vus pendant la période d'études. RÉSULTATS: Durant la période d'étude 2699 enfants ont été pris en charge en chirurgie pédiatrique dont 150 cas de pathologies du canal péritonéo-vaginal soit une fréquence hospitalière de 5,5%. L'âge moyen était de 3,25± 9,63 ans. Le sexe ratio était de 14. Le motif de consultation était la tuméfaction inguinale ou inguino-scrotale intermittente ou permanente chez tous les enfants. La pathologie a été découverte par les parents lors des efforts de poussées dans 46,7%. La tuméfaction inguino-scrotale a été retrouvée à l'examen physique dans 40% des cas. Le côté droit était atteint dans 60% des cas. La hernie a représenté 80,6% de ces pathologies. Nous avons enregistré 31 cas d'étranglement et 11 cas d'engouement. Les suites opératoires immédiates ont été simples chez 92% des patients. Ce taux était de 96% après 6 mois. CONCLUSION: Les pathologies du CPV sont très fréquentes dans la pratique chirurgicale pédiatrique. La première place de ces pathologies est occupée par la hernie. Elles touchent préférentiellement les nourrissons de sexe masculin.

Beware the Looping Vas Deferens in Orchidopexy.

A looping vas deferens may be present in up to 20% of undescended testes located within or proximal to the inguinal canal. This associated abnormality is vulnerable to transection during orchidopexy. We present an example of a very long looping vas to emphasize the importance of inspection for this anomaly, and demonstrate the extreme extent that a looping vas may extend. Identification of the vas among cord structures may provide false reassurance of normal ductal anatomy. Examination for a looping vas by inspecting structures caudal to the testis should occur at an early opportunity during orchidopexy to avoid inadvertent transection.

Bilateral polyorchidism with ipsilateral two undescended testes: a rare congenital anomaly.

Polyorchidism is defined as the presence of more than two testes. This rare congenital anomaly has been reported with only 140 pathologically proven cases in the published literature to date. While triorchidism is the most common variation and generally affects the left side, bilateral polyorchidism is even rare and only seven cases of patients with four testes have been reported in the literature. There is no consensus in the literature regarding the management of supernumerary testis due to its rareness. We report such a rare case of a 20-year-old male patient, who was presented with left-sided scrotal mass and right inguinal swelling and, diagnosed as polyorchidism including four distinct testes, with two of them in left hemiscrotum and the other two testes in the right inguinal canal. The patient underwent orchiopexy for the normal looking right-sided testis, and orchiectomy for the right-sided supernumerary testis being dysmorphic and potential malignancy risk. Histopathological examination confirmed the excised tissue to be severely atrophic testicle. The patient is still following with regular self-examination and scrotal ultrasonography. Polyorchidism should be keep in mind especially for the differential diagnosis of extratesticular and paratesticular masses. Physical examination may not be sufficient, and radiologic examination can provide accurate diagnosis. Conservative, extirpative or reconstructive approaches could be performed based on individual basis by reproductive potential and location of supernumerary testis, coexistence of other disorders and suspicion of malignancy.

Relationship between Undescended Testis Position and Prevalence of Testicular Appendices, Epididymal Anomalies, and Patency of Processus Vaginalis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence of testicular appendices (Tas), epididymal anomalies (EAs), and processus vaginalis (PV) patency in patients with undescended testis (UT) according to testicular position and to compare them with human fetuses. METHODS: We studied 85 patients (108 testes) with cryptorchidism and compared the features with those of 15 fetuses (30 testes) with scrotal testes. We analyzed the relationships among the testis and epididymis, patency of PV, and the presence of TAs. We used the Chi-square test for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). RESULTS: In 108 UT, 72 (66.66%) had PV patent, 67 (62.03%) had TAs, and 39 (36.12%) had EAs. Of the 108 UT, 14 were abdominal (12.96%; 14 had PV patency, 9 TAs, and 7 EAs); 81 were inguinal (75%; 52 had PV patency, 45 TAs, and 31 EAs), and 13 were suprascrotal (12.03%; 6 had PV patency, 13 TAs, and 1 EAs). The patency of PV was more frequently associated with EAs (p = 0.00364). The EAs had a higher prevalence in UT compared with fetuses (p = 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: Undescended testis has a higher risk of anatomical anomalies and the testes situated in abdomen and inguinal canal have a higher risk of presenting patency of PV and EAs.

Potential value of routine contralateral patent processus vaginalis repair in children with unilateral inguinal hernia.

BACKGROUND: The development of laparoscopy as a means of evaluation and treatment of inguinal hernia in children has raised the question of whether simultaneous closure of a contralateral patent processus vaginalis (CPPV) is justified. The present study aimed to determine the rate of metachronous inguinal hernia (MIH) in children with CPPV. METHODS: Children with unilateral inguinal hernia from two hospitals underwent either open or laparoscopic repair, and were followed up for MIH. The presence of CPPV was evaluated during laparoscopy and, if detected, the CPPV was closed. The relationship between CPPV and subsequent MIH was studied. RESULTS: The study included children who had complete follow-up (90·0 per cent of those having open repair and 92·2 per cent of those undergoing laparoscopic repair). Of 2538 children who had open hernia repair, 62 (2·4 per cent) developed MIH (30 on the right side and 32 on the left; P = 0·015). Among 2855 children who underwent laparoscopic repair, a CPPV was identified and closed in 1469 (51·5 per cent). The rate of MIH after negative laparoscopic evaluation for CPPV was three of 2855 (0·1 per cent). There were no significant differences in the rate of CPPV between sexes and either the right or left side (P = 0·072 and P = 0·099 respectively). Ipsilateral recurrence was less frequent after laparoscopic repair: seven (0·2 per cent) versus 26 (1·0 per cent) for open repair (P < 0·001). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair was associated with a lower recurrence rate than open repair. Routine repair of CPPV reduced the rate of subsequent MIH, but 21 CPPVs needed to be closed to prevent one MIH.

Clinical case of a patient diagnosed with sinister inguinal hernia and disembriogenesis of the inguinal canal.

Hernia (lat. - rupture, burst) or protrusion represents the act of escape of tissue, organ or an organ constituent through an innate or acquired fault of the muscle or the connective tissue membrane. The inguinal hernia, also known as groin hernia, rates one of the most frequent surgical conditions. It is manifested by all ages, however is more common in males. The inguinal hernia exhibits by the protrusion of abdominal organs or their segments, for instance portions of the small or large intestine, into the inguinal canal. The groin hernias classify into two subtypes--direct and indirect, and also acquired and inherited. Two kind of anomalies exist--anomalies connected with the obliteration of processus vaginalis peritonei and anomalies connected with the embryogenessis of the inguinal canal. We present a clinical case of a 59-years-old male presenting with emerged arch-like protuberance in the sinister groin region, enlarging during physical effort and strain, accompanied by a strong, harsh pain. Intraoperatively it was discovered a disembryogenessis of the inguinal canal, a total lack of the front wall of the canal itself, a lack of formed superficial inguinal opening and inobliterated processus vaginalis peritonei.

Crossed testicular ectopia: Report of six cases.

Crossed testicular ectopia or transverse testicular ectopia is an extremely rare anomaly characterised by migration of one testis towards the opposite inguinal canal, usually associated with unilateral inguinal hernia. This report describes six cases of crossed ectopic testes, one of the largest series, and with unusual clinical histories.

Patent processus vaginalis in adults who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: predictive signs of postoperative inguinal hernia in the internal inguinal floor.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk for postoperative inguinal hernia according to the presence of patent processus vaginalis in an adult population. METHODS: Medical records of 205 patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy from May 2007 to November 2011 were reviewed. Age, prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, body mass index, operative time and history of previous abdominal surgery were evaluated. The existence of patent processus vaginalis was also evaluated for the development of postoperative inguinal hernia. RESULTS: Postoperative inguinal hernia occurred in 20 out of 410 (4.9%) groins (17/205 patients; 8.3%), and patent processus vaginalis was observed in 49 out of 410 (11.9%) groins. In the normal groin group, inguinal hernia occurred in seven out of 361 (1.9%) groins. However, in the patent processus vaginalis group, it occurred in 13 out of 49 (26.5%) groins. On univariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards model, age, body mass index, history of previous abdominal surgery and patent processus vaginalis were significant risk factors. Among them, patent processus vaginalis significantly increased the risk of postoperative inguinal hernia in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 22.37). In the patent processus vaginalis group, inguinal hernia developed at 12.9 ± 9.2 months after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and 15 ± 7.4 months in the normal groin group. Inguinal hernia-free ratios were significantly lower in the patent processus vaginalis group than the normal groin group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The existence of patent processus vaginalis represents an important risk factor for postoperative inguinal hernia in adults. Urologists should consider the possibility of postoperative inguinal hernia when patent processus vaginalis is observed during surgery.

Age-related probability of contralateral processus vaginalis patency in children with unilateral inguinal hernia.

PURPOSE: Contralateral groin exploration with closure of a patent processus vaginalis (PPV) in children with a unilateral inguinal hernia remains controversial. We aimed to generate precise, age-related probabilities of patency of the contralateral processus vaginalis (PV) in infants with a unilateral inguinal hernia to guide practice. METHODS: Retrospective review of all unilateral laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs in 5 years to determine patency of contralateral PV. Using logistic binomial regression, age-adjusted odds ratio (OR), probability of contralateral PPV and number needed to explore (NNE) in order to close all PPVs were estimated. RESULTS: Data from 331 children [262 male, median 3.8 months corrected gestational age (CGA)] were analysed; 160 (48 %) had a contralateral PPV. In the regression model, CGA is linearly related to log[OR] such that for each month increase in CGA, the log[OR] of having a contralateral PPV decreased by 0.017 ± 0.006 (mean ± SEM; p = 0.005). Gender and side of hernia had no significant effect. The probability of contralateral PPV is 50 % (NNE = 2) at 8 m CGA, 33 % (NNE = 3) at 49 m and 25 % (NNE = 4) at 72 m. CONCLUSIONS: These data contribute to our knowledge of the natural history of the PV and may help guide the need for contralateral groin exploration in infants with inguinal hernia.

Undescended testis accompanying congenital Spigelian hernia: is it a reason, a result, or a new syndrome?

INTRODUCTION: Frequent reporting of cases of the coexistence of a Spigelian hernia (SH) with an undescended testis (UT) suggests that this phenomenon may be a syndrome. In this article, four pediatric cases in which an UT accompanies a congenital SH have been discussed in light of the literature. METHODS: In this study, four cases aged between 6 months and 5 years who had a SH accompanied by an UT were evaluated and underwent surgery. RESULT: The patient's ages were 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years old. The testis was observed in the opened hernia sac. The patients did not have a gubernaculum or an inguinal canal on the side of the hernia. CONCLUSIONS: Neither the theories suggesting that SH leads to an UT nor those suggesting that an UT leads to a SH are satisfactory. We believe that this coexistence may be the congenital Spigelian-cryptorchidism syndrome seen in boys. As in the four cases presented here, elements of this syndrome are defects in the Spigelian fascia and the hernia sac enveloping the testis and an absence of the gubernaculum and the inguinal canal.