TREATMENT OF FEMORAL HERNIA WITH TRAPPED FALLOPIAN TUBE: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Case Presentation: J.T., a 34-year-old woman, sought care at Santa Casa de Misericórdia Hospital in Presidente Prudente complaining of severe, sporadic left groin pain, associated with physical activity and improving with rest. Ultrasound identified a left femoral hernia, with no definition of the hernial contents. The patient underwent elective surgery, and intraoperatively, incarcerated fallopian tube was diagnosed. The hernial contents were reduced and herniorrhaphy was performed using the Lichtenstein technique with placement of a polypropylene mesh. The patient's progress was satisfactory, with diet introduced on the same day of surgery and hospital discharge on the first postoperative day. Discussion: The literature indicates sudden, intense pain as a common clinical manifestation of incarcerated femoral hernias. However, preoperative identification of hernial contents is limited by imaging tests, which have low sensitivity for gynecological structures. Diagnosis is usually made intraoperatively. The Lichtenstein technique with synthetic mesh placement is considered the gold standard for the surgical treatment of inguinal and femoral hernias, resulting in a low recurrence rate. The case presented is relevant due to the rarity of fallopian tube incarceration, especially in a young patient. Final remarks: Fallopian tube incarceration in a femoral hernia is a rare condition and challenging to diagnose. Clinical suspicion and early surgical treatment are essential to avoid complications such as necrosis and infertility. Herniorrhaphy with mesh remains the standard treatment method, ensuring good results and a favorable prognosis.