Background:
Inguinoscrotal herniation of the bladder is a rare clinical entity, with a frequency between 0.5% and 4% of all inguinal hernias. The bladder can partially or entirely herniate into the inguinal canal; when the whole bladder and ureters migrate into the scrotum, it may cause urinary disorders.
Case presentation:
A 62-year-old male patient presented with urinary disorders and right-sided inguinoscrotal hernia. Under clinical suspicion of bladder involvement in the inguinal canal, abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan with endovenous contrast was performed, revealing a right inguinoscrotal hernia, containing the whole urinary bladder and the right pelvic ureter. Without violating the urinary bladder wall integrity, the content of the hernial sac was reduced into the abdominal cavity. Hernioplasty was performed by means of Lichtenstein's method.
Conclusions:
Ureteral involvement should be suspected when a clinical inguinal hernia is diagnosed concurrently with unexplained hydronephrosis, renal failure, or urinary tract infection, as in the case described. When suspected, the preoperative diagnosis, particularly with CT scan, is essential to avoid complications and to reduce risk of bladder and ureter injuries during hernia repair.