Case ReportIncidentally detected splenogonadal fusion in a laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair operation: A case report

- Splenogonadal fusion is a malformation in which the spleen is connected to the gonad.
- We report a case of Splenogonadal fusion which was incidentally detected by TAPP and this is the first report of this condition.
- The potential for incidental diagnoses of Splenogonadal fusion by TAPP may be increasing.
- A therapeutic strategy for incidentally detected Splenogonadal fusion is unclear, but we show one successful experience.

IntroductionSplenogonadal fusion (SGF) is a rare congenital malformation in which the spleen is connected to the gonad. Few SGF cases have been reported in the English scientific literature, and we are unaware of any previous case reports of SGF with inguinal hernia by laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP). Here, we report a case of SGF that was incidentally detected during a TAPP procedure, with an uneventful postoperative course without complications.Presentation of caseA 76-year-old male presented with a 10-year history of left inguinal swelling. He was diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia, and we performed TAPP. Laparoscopy revealed the left inguinal hernia and two reddish-purple masses, one located close to the left inguinal ring. A cord of soft tissue extended cranially from the mass to the spleen, and passed through the left internal inguinal ring caudally. We cut the cord for mesh placement and to make an accurate diagnosis of the mass. Pathological and intraoperative findings indicated a diagnosis of continuous SGF.DiscussionWe observed two important clinical issues in this case. First, the potential for incidental diagnoses of SGF may be increasing. Second, to our knowledge, this is the first case report of a patient with SGF identified by TAPP. Such a therapeutic strategy for incidentally detected SGF has not been described; here we report a successful experience.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with SGF diagnosed by a TAPP procedure. The postoperative course was uneventful using our method.