Abstract
Abstract
Aim
The hydrocele of the femoral canal (Femorocele) is one of the rarest entities of femoral hernia (1). All of the reported cases were an intraoperative diagnosis and were treated with an open approach. We are reporting, the probably first femorocele diagnosed and treated laparoscopically.
Material and Methods
A 57-years-old female patient was presented in our outpatient clinic with pain and an unclear lump in the groin area for 6 months. The sonographic examination revealed a cystic structure in the groin area resampling Nuck’s cyst. An elective laparoscopic exploration and transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair was planned.
Results
A laparoscopic exploration was carried out. Intraoperatively, the cystic structure was not found in the Nuck’s Canal, but in the femoral canal as a content of a femoral hernia with some pre-peritoneal fat. By the extraction of the cyst, a gush of clear fluid was noted. After the usual preparation of the preperitoneal area, a mesh was placed in TAPP technique.
Conclusions
This rare variety of femoral hernias, femorocele, is commonly misdiagnosed as a strangulated hernia or Nuck’s cyst (as in this case) among other differential diagnoses (2). All published femorocele cases were treated with an open approach. As demonstrated here, such unclear cases can be laparoscopically explored and treated accordingly.