Synchronous laparoscopic cholecystectomy and mesh repair of incarcerated femoral hernia: Is it feasible?

Abstract

Cholecystectomy and hernia repair are common surgical procedures. While laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for managing gallstone disease, the situation is not similar for laparoscopic hernia repair, as the debate between the laparoscopic and open approaches continues. However, laparoscopic femoral hernia repair has been recommended by some, especially in females. In this report, we describe the clinical course of a 53-year-old female with chronic calcular cholecystitis, who presented with incarcerated femoral hernia. The patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and mesh repair of her femoral hernia. The challenge, in this case, was the application of a mesh after cholecystectomy and in the presence of hernia incarceration, with both posing a potential risk of mesh infection. However, with proper precautions to avoid bile spillage and suction irrigation to clean the hernia operative site, together with the administration of an antibiotic coverage, a successful outcome was obtained. To our knowledge, this is the first report on simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy and incarcerated femoral hernia repair.