Case ReportAn inguinal hernia with cryptorchidism with a Leydig cell tumor in an elderly man: A case report

- Laparoscopy was helpful for the unusual inguinal hernia with cryptorchidism.
- The resected ectopic testis in elderly man contained a Leydig cell tumor.
- Cryptorchidism may predispose to the development of a Leydig cell tumor.
- The resected ectopic testis should be thoroughly examined.

 AbstractIntroductionCryptorchidism is common in children but is rare in the elderly. It often presents with a constellation of signs and symptoms similar to routine inguinal hernias. We present the case of an elderly man with cryptorchidism containing a Leydig cell tumor and provide clinical insights.Presentation of caseAn-84-year old man was admitted with an incarcerated right lower quadrant hernia. Both testes were absent on palpation of the scrotum. After reduction of the hernia, computed tomography scan revealed a round lesion in the hernia sac, which was suspected to be the ectopic testis. Laparoscopic exploration was performed in combination with an open anterior approach. The hernia orifice was the right internal inguinal ring, and the inguinal canal was obliterated by adhesions because the spermatic cord did not pass through it. The ectopic testis was resected with the hernia sac, and the hernia repaired with a KUGEL™ patch (Bard, USA).DiscussionLaparoscopic exploration was useful to delineate the anatomy of this unusual inguinal hernia. The open anterior approach was necessary to dissect the ectopic testis and the hernia sac. Pathological findings revealed tumor cells with clear cytoplasm in the resected testis, diagnosed as a Leydig cell tumor.ConclusionThe combination of laparoscopic and anterior approaches facilitated the surgical treatment of an unusual inguinal hernia with cryptorchidism. The resected ectopic testis should undergo thorough histopathologic examination.