Inferior epigastric artery false aneurysm following incisional hernia repair

AbstractIntroductionWe report a case of IEA false aneurysm following a mesh repair of a large incisional hernia. We emphasize the importance to consider the diagnosis to help avoid inappropriate interventions which could increase patient morbidity.Case reportA 68-year-old male patient, who 4 weeks previously had had a mesh repair of a large incisional hernia, presented with a painful left iliac fossa swelling. This was found to be an IEA false aneurysm. This was treated successfully with percutaneous thrombin injection.ConclusionsWe feel an inferior epigastric artery false aneurysm must be included in the differential diagnosis when investigating the cause of any lateral swelling following incisional hernia repair. This would help reduce the chance of a missed diagnosis and avoid any inappropriate interventions which may cause increased patient morbidity