Inguinal hernia overview

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Inguinal hernias (Template:IPAEng) are protrusions of abdominal cavity contents through the inguinal canal. They are very common and their repair is one of the most frequently performed surgical operations.

There are two types of inguinal hernia, direct and indirect. Direct inguinal hernias occur when abdominal contents herniate through a weak point in the fascia of the abdominal wall and into the inguinal canal. Indirect inguinal hernias occur when abdominal contents protrude through the deep inguinal ring; this is ultimately caused by failure of embryonic closure of the internal inguinal ring.

Historical Perspective

Reinforcement of the anterior wall of the inguinal canal and tightening of the external inguinal ring was first discovered by Stromayr in 1559. In 1871, new use of carbolized catgut ligature was developed by Marcy to treat inguinal hernia. Twisted and suture-transfixed the peritoneal sac in the lateral muscles through the external ring was developed by Kocher to treat inguinal hernia.

Classification

Reinforcement of the anterior wall of the inguinal canal and tightening of the external inguinal ring was first discovered by Stromayr in 1559. In 1871, new use of carbolized catgut ligature was developed by Marcy to treat inguinal hernia. Twisted and suture-transfixed the peritoneal sac in the lateral muscles through the external ring was developed by Kocher to treat inguinal hernia.

Pathophysiology

Directed inguinal hernia is caused by protrusion through Hesselbach triangle, passes medial to inferior epigastric vessels. Indirected inguinal hernia is caused by passes through internal inguinal ring, traverses inguinal canal to external ring, and may extend into scrotum in males and labia major in females.

Causes

Common causes of inguinal hernia include combination of increased pressure within the abdomen and a pre-existing weak spot in the abdominal wall, chronic coughing or sneezing, heavy lifting such as weightlifting, abdominal wall defects and advanced age.

Differentiating Inguinal hernia overview from Other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

Natural History

Complications

Prognosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Criteria

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

The inability to "reduce" the bulge back into the abdomen usually means the hernia is "incarcerated," often necessitating emergency surgery. Recent data questions the routine elective repair of all inguinal hernias. Some studies indicate that inguinal hernias can be left alone with no greater risk than prompt elective treatment. Nevertheless, the bias remains toward surgical repair. Provided there are no serious co-existing medical problems, patients are advised to get the hernia repaired surgically at the earliest convenience after a diagnosis is made. Emergency surgery for complications such as incarceration and strangulation carry much higher risk than planned, "elective" procedures.

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