Management strategy of giant inguinoscrotal hernia—a case series of 24 consecutive patients surgically treated over 17 years period

Management of giant inguinoscrotal hernia (GIH) is still a challenging procedure associated with a higher risk of intraabdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome as a life-threatening condition. The aim of the study was to present our management strategy for GIH.

This is a retrospective review of a case series including 24 consecutive patients with 25 GIH who underwent reconstructive surgery from January 2006 to June 2023, at the University Clinic for Digestive Surgery and Hernia Center Zuvela. A combined surgical strategy was applied: the modified Rives repair for groin hernias alone, Rives combined with organ resection to reduce hernia contents, and Rives combined with procedures for abdominal cavity enlargement. A surgical approach was defined based on the patient’s general health, the volume of the hernia sac, and perioperative parameters.

All patients were male aged between 43 and 82 years. Rives was the only procedure in 12 patients. In addition to Rives, omentectomy was performed in four patients and intestinal resection in one. Abdominal cavity enlargement was performed following Rives hernioplasty in 9 patients. The median operative time was 215 min (range, 70–720). Surgical complications occurred in seven patients. In-hospital mortality was 12.5%. There was no groin hernia recurrence.

Our strategy is a single-stage treatment including modified Rives repair with or without additional procedures for abdominal cavity enlargement or hernia volume reduction, tailored to the individual patient characteristics. The procedure is associated with a higher risk of major morbidity requiring a well-trained intensive care unit team.