Amyand’s hernia in a low-resource setting: surgical challenges and experience – a case report

Background: Amyand’s hernia is a rare condition in which the appendix is found within the hernia sac, with or without signs of appendicitis. Its management depends on the condition of the appendix and the availability of surgical resources.

Case Presentation: We present the case of a 45-year-old sub–Saharan African man, a farmer who presented with a 10-year history of intermittent right inguinoscrotal swelling. Intraoperatively, the appendix was incidentally found within the hernia sac, without signs of inflammation. An appendectomy was performed, followed by primary tissue repair. He had an uneventful postoperative recovery.

Conclusion: Amyand's hernia, though uncommon, is a critical differential diagnosis in inguinal hernias. This case highlights the challenges faced by surgeons in resource-limited settings, who must balance evidence-based surgical principles with practical constraints. Our experience emphasizes the importance of meticulous inspection of hernia sac contents before intervention and tailored operative approaches, considering patient-specific factors and available resources, to optimize outcomes.