Laparoscopic diagnosis of transverse testicular ectopia initially misdiagnosed as inguinal hernia: A case report of two adult cases and literature review

Abstract BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernia is a common surgical condition; however, rare entities such as transverse testicular ectopia (TTE) can present with similar symptoms, often resulting in misdiagnosis and inappropriate initial management. This report underscores the diagnostic value of laparoscopy in such challenging cases. CASE PRESENTATION: We present two adult male patients who were initially diagnosed with inguinal hernia based on the clinical evaluation and imaging. Both had a history of urogenital anomalies, including cryptorchidism or prior inguinal surgery. Due to persistent symptoms or atypical findings, both underwent laparoscopic exploration, during which TTE was identified: both testes were located on the same side with no evidence of hernia. CONCLUSION: These cases highlight the importance of considering TTE in the differential diagnosis of atypical inguinal hernia, particularly in adults with relevant surgical or urogenital history. Laparoscopic exploration is a valuable tool for both diagnosis and definitive surgical management. Early recognition of this rare entity is essential to prevent misdiagnosis and optimize clinical outcomes.