Abstract Aim Inguinal hernias containing the ureter and retroperitoneal contents are uncommon. We present a robotic repair of a large inguinal-scrotal hernia containing the ureter as a video case presentation. Material and Methods A 66 year old male with no previous abdominal surgical history presents with a large left sided inguinal-scrotal hernia, as well as smaller ventral and right inguinal hernias. On CT imaging the patient was found to have an ectopic pelvic location of the left kidney with evidence of the left ureter coursing into the hernia with a significant amount of retroperitoneal fat. The patient was taken to the operating room for a robotic bilateral inguinal hernia repair and ventral hernia repair. Results A ureteral catheter was placed preoperatively and instilled with indocyanine green (ICG). The hernias were successfully repaired, and intraoperative fluorescence imaging was successfully used to visualize the ureter as it was reduced with the hernia sac. The robotic platform significantly aided in dissection of the large volume of retroperitoneal fat, while being able to quickly transition to intraoperative fluorescence to clearly visualize the course of the ureter. The patient did well post operatively with no complications. Conclusions We present a video case report of a large ureter-containing inguinoscrotal hernia that was successfully repaired using a robotic preperitoneal approach. Use of the robotic platform and indocyanine green/intraoperative fluorescence imaging were helpful adjuncts in aiding dissection by improving intraoperative visualization of the ureter.
Read full abstract