Amyand’s Hernia - A Case Report and Discussion

Case Report

Abstract

We usually diagnose inguinal hernia on clinical presentation and Ultrasonography.

Intraoperatively, appendix may be found as a content of the hernial sac, known as Amyand’s hernia.

Since it is not a very common condition, there are no clear guidelines for the management of Amyand’s hernia. These guidelines are needed keeping in mind that the appendix may be inflamed needing appendectomy besides hernia repair. Secondly, this area where hernia repair has to take place and mesh has to be placed may be contaminated due to the presence of inflamed appendix. Thirdly, there may be adhesions due to recurrent or chronic inflammation of the appendix in the hernial sac. Last but not the least, is the possibility of presence of terminal ileum and caecum along with the appendix.

The incidence of appendix being present in a hernia sac is 1%. The incidence of appendicitis in these appendices is 0.15%. If appendicitis is found in these situations, it is treated by appendectomy and hernia repair. Sometimes us can detect an inflamed appendix in the sac but the most effective diagnosis comes from a computerized tomography.