Antenatal diagnosis and management of fetal inguinoscrotal hernia: A case report with literature review

• Published in: Journal of clinical ultrasound 2024-10, Vol.52 (8), p.1198-1203
• Main Authors: Seong, Ji‐Su, Kim, Yoo‐Min, Nam, Gina, Kim, Gwang‐Jun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Amniotic fluid; fetal inguinal hernia; fetal inguinoscrotal hernia; Fetuses; Gestation; Gestational age; Hernia; Literature reviews; Neonates; Pediatrics; scrotal mass
• ISSN: 0091-2751; 1097-0096; 1097-0096
• DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23748

Primary inguinal hernia is a common pediatric surgical condition with an incidence of 1%–4%, which is higher in male or premature newborns. It is characterized by the protrusion of abdominal contents through inguinal canal in newborns. However, prenatal fetal inguinal hernia is a rare condition because the pressure of amniotic fluid is similar to intra‐abdominal pressure. Only 19 English publications were found with 21 reported cases until now. We report belatedly discovered inguinoscrotal hernia at 38+0 weeks' gestation. Usually, the fetal testicular descent begins from 24 to 25 weeks' gestation, and it is found after 32 weeks of gestational age in 97% of the fetuses. Therefore, it is necessary to get into the habit of checking fetal testicles during routine US after at least 32 weeks of gestational age. The fetus testicular descent begins from 24 to 25 weeks' gestation. Descent begins after 32 weeks of gestational age in 97% of the fetuses. Pediatric inguinoscrotal hernia is a common surgical condition, but only 21 cases of fetal inguinoscrotal hernia have been reported. It should not be overlooked in prenatal examination.