Abstract

Background: A female hydrocele is an extremely rare complication of a patent processus vaginalis. A cyst of the canal of the Nuck should be considered in females presented with a non-reducible groin mass.
Case Presentation: A 38-year-old female presented to the clinic with a nontender palpable mass in the right inguinal region. On physical examination, a soft-consistency, mobile mass of about 6 cm in size was seen in the right inguinal region. The cyst was seen to be originating from the external ring. Surgical exploration was carried out by an incision in the right inguinal area and the cyst was dissected from the round ligament. The defect was repaired with prolene mesh after high ligation. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of a cyst of the canal of Nuck.
Discussion: The canal of Nuck extends through the inguinal canal alongside the round ligament and is considered the female analog of the processus vaginalis in males. A cyst of the canal of Nuck is a rare occurrence and can be classified into three types based on its communication with the peritoneal cavity. The mainstay of treatment of cyst of the canal of Nuck is surgical excision. Ligation of the processus vaginalis after excision is believed to prevent a recurrence.
Conclusion: A swelling in the inguinal region in females should raise the suspicion of a cyst of the canal of the Nuck and be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Key words: Hydrocele, Processus vaginalis, Canal of Nuck