Amyand's hernia with acute gangrenous appendicitis and cecal perforation: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: An Amyand's hernia is a heterogeneous clinical condition defined by the presence of the vermiform appendix within an inguinal hernia sac, which may or may not contain other abdominal contents or pathologic inflammatory changes. Herein we present an exceptionally rare case of an Amyand's hernia containing acute appendicitis and a perforated cecum.

PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 46-year-old male with a right inguinal hernia of 2-3 year duration presented to our Emergency Department complaining of acute onset abdominal and groin pain. The patient was diagnosed with an incarcerated right inguinal hernia and underwent emergent surgical repair. Intraoperatively a reactive fluid was found within the hernia sac that prompted an exploratory laparotomy for suspected bowel perforation. The hernia was then found to contain an inflamed gangrenous appendix with an inflamed and perforated cecum. An ileocecectomy and enteroenterostomy was performed and the hernia defect was repaired without mesh.

DISCUSSION: With an estimated incidence of only 1%, Amyand's hernias are rare and lack a clear evidence-based management scheme. Moreover, they can contain a diverse range of pathologic features and presentations that can complicate diagnosis and treatment. To avoid potential morbidity and mortality, the surgeon must consider an Amyand's hernia on his or her differential when operating on inguinal hernias and be aware of the associated presentations, complications, and management schemes.

CONCLUSION: There is a paucity of reports describing simultaneous appendicitis and cecal perforation within an Amyand's hernia. In our case, ileocecectomy and Bassini hernia repair with close follow-up led to a favorable outcome.