Femoral hernia in children: Diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Case report

Abstract

Introduction: Femoral hernias are rare in children. The defect is below the inguinal ligament. The frequency of a misdiagnosis is up to 75%. They can be resolved by open or laparoscopic surgery. Objective: To report the case of a child with femoral hernia, resolved by laparoscopy. Case report: Male, 5 years old, with a history of bilateral cryptorchidism resolved at 2 years of age. Current condition with a month of evolution with an increase in volume in the outer third of the groin. Ultrasound reported aponeurotic defect along with the right femoral vessels. Laparoscopic approach, with defect findings below the inguinal ligament. No recurrence at 12 months follow-up. Discussion: Femoral hernias are rare in children, their diagnosis is difficult. Laparoscopic examination allowed its identification, finding a defect below the inguinal ligament and adjacent to the femoral vessels independent of the deep inguinal ring and the transversalis fascia.