Scrotal extraperitoneal hernia of the ureter: Case report and literature review

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.