Femoral and Inguinal Hernias Flashcards
What is a hernia?
When part of the intestine protrudes through a defect in a muscular wall
What is an irreducible hernia?
When it cannot be pushed back into place
What is an incarcerated hernia?
Contents of the hernial sac are stuck inside by adhesions
What is an obstructed hernia?
When bowel contents cannot pass through the hernia
What is a strangulated hernia?
If blood supply is restricted and ischaemia occurs
What is an indirect inguinal hernia?
The intestine passes through the internal inguinal ring and then out of the external inguinal ring
What is a direct inguinal hernia?
The intestine pushes straight through a defect in the posterior wall of the inguinal canal
What is a femoral hernia and where does the hernial neck occur?
Bowel enters the femoral canal and results as a mass that points down the leg (due to the shape of the canal).
The neck of the hernia is inferior and lateral to the pubic tubercle
Which is more likely to strangulate?
Femoral hernias are more likely to strangulate because the femoral canal is very tight and fibrous
Is it common?
Inguinal hernias are very common
Who do they affect?
Inguinal affect more men and femoral affect more women
Investigations
Examine, cough impulse, press on internal inguinal ring to determine if direct or indirect
First line treatment
Lichtenstein Repair using Mesh Technique
Other treatments (2)
Herniotomy, weight loss
