Common femoral vein aneurysm simulating an inguinal hernia

Abstract

Common femoral vein aneurysms are rare, yet knowledge of this entity is important for the surgeon who performs hernia repairs. This is because common femoral vein aneurysms can simulate inguinal or femoral hernias, and misdiagnosis can lead to significant morbidity if treated incorrectly. To our knowledge, only five other cases of femoral aneurysms simulating inguinal or femoral hernias have been reported. We present the case of a 50-year-old male with inguinal pain and swelling who was found to have a common femoral vein aneurysm at surgical exploration for hernia repair. The etiology, diagnostic strategy, and management options for common femoral vein aneurysm are presented and are followed by recommendations for operative management. In the case of an unanticipated femoral aneurysm found during hernia repair, we recommend termination of the procedure followed by elective repair to be performed after appropriate diagnostic testing has been completed.