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De Garengeot hernia: a systematic review

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Abstract

Background

A De Garengeot hernia is a femoral hernia that contains the appendix. This rare type of hernia was first described by René-Jacques Croissant De Garengeot in 1731. Numerous case reports have been published since then, yet collective analysis about the presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of patients with this unique hernia is lacking.

Methods

A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science for cases of De Garengeot hernias. Keywords searched included "De Garengeot hernia” OR “femoral appendicitis” OR “femoral hernia appendix” OR “crural hernia appendix.” To facilitate review, a classification system was created based on the gross appearance of the appendix and related structures in the femoral hernia.

Results

Two hundred and twenty-two cases were identified in 197 manuscripts. Cases most commonly came from Europe but have been reported worldwide. There was a female predominance (n = 180, 81.1%) and the mean age at presentation was 69.8 years. The most common presenting symptoms were a groin bulge and groin tenderness (82.4%, n = 183 and 79.7%, n = 177, respectively). A groin bulge was observed on physical exam in 95.0% (n = 211) of cases, and erythema over the hernia was present in 33.3% (n = 74). A pre-operative diagnosis of a De Garengeot hernia was established with imaging in only 31.5% (n = 70) of cases. The most common surgical approach was through a groin incision. Complications occurred in 9.5% (n = 21) of cases, most commonly surgical site infections. The most common condition of the appendix was congested/inflamed, found in 44.1% (n = 98) of cases and corresponding to class 2A in the classification system devised.

Conclusions

Overall, De Garengeot hernias were found to be rare and clinically heterogeneous, as highlighted by our classification system. A systematic approach to categorizing this unique hernia may improve management decisions and help avoid complications.

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Funding

The project described was supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, through Grant Number UL1 TR001860 for author CMT.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, University of California Davis, 2335 Stockton Blvd, 5th floor, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA

    Timothy M. Guenther, Christina M. Theodorou & Tanya N. Rinderknecht

  2. Department of Surgery, David Grant USAF Medical Center, 101 Bolin Circle, Travis AFB, Fairfield, CA, 95433, USA

    Timothy M. Guenther

  3. Department of General Surgery, Sacramento VA Medical Center - VA Northern California Health Care System, CA, 10535 Hospital Way, Mather, 95655, USA

    Nalani L. Grace & James E. Wiedeman

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  1. Timothy M. Guenther
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  2. Christina M. Theodorou
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  4. Tanya N. Rinderknecht
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  5. James E. Wiedeman
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Correspondence to Timothy M. Guenther.

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The views expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or opinion of the U.S. Government, Department of Veteran Affairs, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Air Force. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH. Drs Guenther, Theodorou, Grace, Rinderknecht, and Wiedeman have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose.

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Guenther, T.M., Theodorou, C.M., Grace, N.L. et al. De Garengeot hernia: a systematic review. Surg Endosc 35, 503–513 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-020-07934-5

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