Unusual case of De Garengeot hernia: femoral hernia containing purulent appendicitis in a 69-year-old man

Abstract

A De Garengeot hernia is a rare type of femoral hernia that involves a vermiform appendix within a femoral hernia sac. Because of the rarity of this disease, a standard surgical procedure has not been established, and most cases are diagnosed intraoperatively. Preoperative diagnosis of a De Garengeot hernia is quite difficult. Computed tomography is the most sensitive and specific technique among the available imaging tests for preoperative diagnosis of a De Garengeot hernia. Although a standard surgical procedure is lacking, prompt surgery has become the consensus. The most common procedure is the open anterior approach; this allows exploration of the hernia sac and rapid treatment of its contents, routine appendectomy through a single incision, and preperitoneal repair of the femoral hernia.