An unusual case of inguinal hernia with spontaneous evisceration

Spontaneous evisceration is a very rare and potentially fatal complication of abdominal wall hernia. It has been commonly reported in the case of umbilical hernia in patients with chronic liver disease with tense ascites. With other hernias, such as incisional hernia and inguinal hernia, the complication has been reported only once. Here we present a case report of spontaneous evisceration in an inguinal hernia in a patient with comorbid chronic obstructive airway disease. Management of the condition using prosthetic mesh repair risks mesh infection, while the use of non-prosthetic repair risks recurrence of the hernia due to the absence of stout natural tissues. Use of a biological mesh for the condition seems quite plausible. Thorough saline washes of the eviscerated organ, excision of redundant/unhealthy skin and strict adherence to the fundamental principles of hernia repair is desired in managing the condition.