Gastric strangulation and perforation caused by a giant inguinal-scrotal hernia

Abstract

Acute abdomen is always a challenging case presentation in an emergency department. A thorough clinical examination and prompt differential diagnosis and required investigations can save patients from potentially life-threatening conditions. We report the case of a 49-year-old gentleman who presented with a rare presentation of acute lower abdominal pain which initially mimicked renal colic (flank pain and dysuria), later as an upper gastrointestinal bleed manifested by massive hematemesis due to the stomach being pulled down into a giant inguinoscrotal hernia resulting in a gastric perforation. The patient underwent life-saving emergency midline open laparotomy. To our knowledge and as per the literature reviewed, this is an uncommon presentation of an acute lower abdomen pain wherein the gastric perforation due to a giant inguinoscrotal hernia masquerade as renal colic and posed a diagnostic challenge to the treating emergency physician.

The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form, the patient has given his consent for his images, and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patient understands that name and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.

Dr. Vijay Chander Vinod is the emergency physician who saw the patient in the emergency department, diagnosed the case and performed initial resuscitation. Original draft writing Dr. Muhammad Umar Younis is the surgical hospitalist who wrote the discussion part of the original draft, editing the article and interpretation of CT scan images.

None Declared.

None.