The use of laparoscopy to assess viability of slipped content in incarcerated inguinal hernia: a case report.

Incarcerated inguinal hernia classically has been managed by initially attempting gentle reduction or spontaneous reduction with systemic analgesics and slight feet elevation over 24 to 48 hours and, if unsuccessful, by urgent surgical repair. We report a case of incarcerated inguinal hernia in which at open surgical repair the contents of the hernial sac slipped into the abdomen before evaluation. Using laparoscopy, the involved bowel was retrieved into the groin and its viability assessed. We recommend this procedure as an alternative to laparotomy in such situations.