Incidental Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Inguinal Hernia: A Case Report

Prenatal congenital inguinal hernia is a rare condition, with limited cases reported in the literature. Accurate prenatal diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and outcomes. We report a case of a 44year-old woman at 36 weeks of gestation with well-controlled gestational diabetes diagnosed with prenatal congenital inguinal hernia. The patient's antenatal history included abnormal first-trimester screening tests for Down syndrome, but subsequent amniocentesis revealed no chromosomal abnormalities. Ultrasonography at 36 weeks showed an enlarged right scrotum with heterogeneous consistency and visible bowel peristaltic waves without signs of bowel obstruction, strangulation, or incarceration. At 39 weeks, oligohydramnios was diagnosed, leading to a decision for labor induction. However, the patient underwent a cesarean section upon her desire, giving birth to a male infant with congenital inguinal hernia. Both mother and child had a normal six-month postpartum follow-up. This case underscores the significance of detailed third-trimester ultrasonography in diagnosing prenatal congenital inguinal hernia. Early detection allows for better planning and management, highlighting the value of routine prenatal assessments for fetal organ status and early identification of malformations.