A CASE OF ROUND LIGAMENT VARICES MIMICKING INGUINAL HERNIA

• Published in: Nihon Rinsho Geka Gakkai Zasshi (Journal of Japan Surgical Association) Vol. 66; no. 1; pp. 207 - 210
• Main Authors: UCHIMOTO, Kazuaki, KO, Saiho, IKENISHI, Kazumi, KATSUI, Renta, YAMADA, Yukishige, NAKAJIMA, Yoshiyuki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan Surgical Association 2005
• ISSN: 1345-2843; 1882-5133
• DOI: 10.3919/jjsa.66.207

A 37-year-old woman diagnosed as having left inguinal hernia before 4th pregnancy also had varices at the left labium major during pregnancy. After she was delivered of a baby transvaginally at 40 week 0 day of pregnancy, she developed severe pain and swelling of the left inguinal region, and was referred to our department about 30 hours after the delivery. We diagnosed the case as irreducible inguinal hernia, and manipulated to reduce the herniation, but in vain. Then, emergency operation was perfomed. Operative findings revealed large thrombus in the varices around the round ligament. While a hernia sac of the inguinal hernia was found, no herniation of abdominal organs was seen. It was inferred that the varices developed in the round ligament vein by venous congestion due to pregnancy and rapid formation of the thrombus might cause severe pain. Round ligament varix is a rare condition and can be caused by venous congestion with pregnancy. When pregnant woman develops inguinal tumor formation, round ligament varices should be considered as a differential diagnosis.