Herniation of ureter: a rare cause of hydroureteronephrosis

Abstract

Background: Omentum and bowel loops are commonly seen in inguinal hernia. An unusual case of extraperitoneal herniation of ureter was detected in hernial sac with other contents, on computed tomography (CT) urography. Case presentation: A 54-year-old male presented with inguinal hernia, with no previous history of surgery or trauma. Pre-operative screening showed a unilateral hydroureteronephrosis involving the pelvicalyceal system and entire ureter. No calculus was visualized in the ureter on ultrasound. On non-contrast CT (NCCT) followed by CT urography, the ureter was seen descending into the hernia sac causing hydroureteronephrosis. The patient subsequently underwent mesh repair surgery of the inguinal hernia with meticulous reduction of the herniated contents including the ureter, resulting in complete resolution of the hydroureteronephrosis. Conclusion: An isolated extraperitoneal inguinal herniation of the ureter without concomitant urinary bladder involvement is extremely rare, especially with no prior history of trauma or surgery, as seen in our case. The case also exemplifies the role of pre-operative imaging as a protocol in cases of inguinal hernia to prevent per-operative complications.