Unexpected inguinal hernia content: A case report of an ectopic kidney—Robot-assisted laparoscopic repair

Abstract We present the case of an ectopic kidney located in the scrotum, discussing decision-making, surgical management, and outcomes. Although this is a rare pathology, we aimed to correlate this case with other reports of inguinal hernias and provide a literature review focusing on surgical and urological findings and management in similar patients. The patient is a 73-year-old man who presented with a progressive enlargement of his right inguinal area over the past 4 years. A routine computed tomography scan revealed an ectopic kidney in the scrotum, extending into a ~10 cm inguinal hernia, with severe hydronephrosis and a dilated ureter. Management options included nephropexy versus nephrectomy. A multidisciplinary approach involving general surgery and urology was employed, and the patient underwent a robot-assisted laparoscopic right inguinal hernia repair and kidney relocation. Postoperatively, renal function showed slight improvement, and no hernia recurrence was reported at the 6-month follow-up. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of ectopic kidneys associated with inguinal hernias and contributes to the limited literature on this rare condition.