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.
Additional images
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Different types of inguinal hernias. -
Inguinal fossae
Treatment
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.