Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia in The Older Child: Precipitated by Faecal Impaction?

Abstract

Incarceration of childhood inguinal hernia is rare after the age of 8 years. A 10-year-old boy presented with an incarcerated right inguinal hernia. Non-operative reduction was not successful. At surgery, an impacted mass of faeces was found in the incarcerated loop of bowel. Incision of the hernia neck was necessary to achieve reduction. Faecal impaction may well be important in precipitating incarceration of inguinal hernia in the older child.

Keywords: Inguinal hernia, incarceration, older child, faecal impaction

African Journal of Paediatric Surgery Vol. 3 (1) 2006: pp. 41-42