Local Finding (Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia)

1-month-old infant with a right scrotal swelling. In comparison with the normal left side the right scrotum is higher and has a dark red color with loss of skin folds. On palpation the swelling is tight, painful, squelching, and is not reducible. The full and tight belly is a sign of a starting obstructive ileus. The cause of the right scrotal swelling is an incarcerated inguinal hernia. Useful for the diagnosis are the observed findings in combination with a widening of the cranial insertion of the scrotum and continuation into the groin, and the signs of surgical abdomen.