Fournier's gangrene complicating ruptured Richter's inguinal hernia

West Afr J Med. 2007 Oct-Dec;26(4):316-8.

Abstract

Background: The deceptive entity of Richter's hernia typically presents with complications that are usually associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Objective: The purpose of this case report is to highlight the association between Richter's groin hernia and Fournier's gangrene as demonstrated in a patient we managed recently.

Methods: A case report of the management of an elderly patient who presented with Fournier's gangrene to a Nigerian tertiary institution following a neglected Richter's hernia on the right groin. The scrotal gangrene was managed by aggressive debridement and secondary closure while the ruptured caecal Richter's hernia was treated by a limited right hemicolectomy with end-to-end ileocolonic anastomosis and repair of the internal ring.

Report: We describe a rare case of Fournier's gangrene complicating a neglected caecal Richter's inguinal hernia in a 75-year-old Nigerian; highlighting the pathogenesis and management options.

Conclusion: Caecal Richter's hernia can be associated with Fournier's gangrene.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Debridement
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fournier Gangrene / diagnosis
  • Fournier Gangrene / etiology*
  • Fournier Gangrene / surgery
  • Hernia, Inguinal / complications*
  • Hernia, Inguinal / diagnosis
  • Hernia, Inguinal / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Rupture, Spontaneous
  • Scrotum / pathology