An alternative management of a Littré hernia case: food for thought.

Aim: We present a novel approach to a Littré hernia case.

Case report: A 62-year old male presented at our department with a painless mass in the inguinal area and was successfully treated for an inguinal Littré hernia. A Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair was used without performing simultaneous diverticulectomy.

Discussion: Resection of an asymptomatic Meckel's diverticulum remains a controversial issue. In adult population, leaving an accidentally found silent Meckel's diverticula in situ could reduce the risk of postoperative complications without increasing late complications. Mesh-based techniques provide lower recurrence rates compared to non-mesh techniques.

Conclusions: Management of asymptomatic Littré hernias presents a challenge for the operating surgeon. Treatment guidelines should be developed for the optimal management of these patients.