A Rare Case of Strangulated Hernia of the Canal of Nuck with Ovarian Necrosis in
a Female Infant from a Resource-Limited Setting: A Case Report and Literature
Review
#MMPMID41384231
Shamavu GK
; Baanitse JM
; Awazi AK
; Twishime JM
; Mseza B
; Kiswezi A
Int Med Case Rep J
2025[]; 18
(?): 1547-1551
PMID41384231
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BACKGROUND: The canal of Nuck, the female equivalent of the male processus
vaginalis, is a rare site of hernia in infants. In severe cases, incarceration or
strangulation may occur, posing the risk of tissue necrosis and requiring urgent
surgical intervention. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 13-week-old
female infant presenting with a painful, irreducible swelling in the left
inguinal region. Surgical exploration revealed a strangulated necrotic left
ovary. An oophorectomy and herniotomy were performed. DISCUSSION: An incarcerated
hernia of the canal of Nuck is a surgical emergency, and limited imaging access
should not delay the decision. High clinical suspicion of an incarcerated hernia
and cost-effective ultrasonography are crucial for early diagnosis and timely
surgical intervention to prevent irreversible complications. CONCLUSION: This
report highlights diagnostic and management challenges in a low-resource setting
and underscores the importance of early recognition in preventing irreversible
complications.