Ureteral herniation is a rare, often misdiagnosed event and serious surgica
l complications are possible. Until 1992, 128 cases of ureteral herniation
were reported and in 54 (42%) the inguino-scrotal region was involved. From
an anatomical and pathogenic standpoint, two types of uretero-inguinal her
nias can be identified: paraperitoneal (more frequent, acquired, always pre
senting a peritoneal hernia sac, frequently associated with other herniated
abdominal structures) and extraperitoneal (very uncommon, congenital, neve
r associated with a true peritoneal sac, always composed only of the ureter
). We describe a new case of scrota I extra peritonea I ureteral hernia and
review the current urological, surgical and radiological literature to ana
lyze the main clinical characteristics of this pathology and its ideal trea
tment. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.