Hernias Flashcards
Define hernia
A hernia occurs when an organ/tissue protrudes through the wall of the cavity containing it
Describe the epidemiology of hernias
Inguinal: Very common!! M»_space;> F
Umbilical: Children
Hiatus: Very common - 10-20%
Femoral: F > M
Identify the types of hernias
Inguinal Femoral Umbilical Hiatus Incisional Spigelian Obturator Epigastric
Describe the types of inguinal hernia
Inguinal hernias can be 2 types
1) Direct: do not pass through the deep inguinal ring, herniates through weakness in the abdo wall at Hesselbach’s triangle
2) Indirect: pass through the inguinal canal
Describe the boundaries of the inguinal canal
Anterior: aponeurosis of the external oblique
Posterior: transversalis fascia
Floor: inguinal ligament (rolled apon. of EO)
Roof: transversalis fascia, IO, transversus abdominus
Describe the anatomy of the inguinal rings
Deep inguinal ring: above the midpoint of the inguinal ligament
Superficial inguinal ring: superior to the pubic tubercle
Describe the location of the mid-inguinal point and the midpoint of the inguinal ligament + relevance
Mid-inguinal point: halfway between pubic symphysis and ASIS. Palpate femoral pulse
Midpoint of the inguinal ligament: halfway between the pubic tubercle and ASIS. Location of the deep inguinal ring
Describe the normal contents of the inguinal canal
M: spermatic cord
F: round ligament
Nerves
Describe the pathophysiology of inguinal hernias
Indirect:
Patent processus vaginalis -> pathway for abdominal viscera to reach the scrotum
Direct:
Weakness in transversalis fascia -> protrusion of viscera
How do you differentiate between two types of inguinal hernias on examination?
Reduce the hernia, then cover the deep inguinal ring
Valsalva -> protrusion of a direct hernia NOT indirect
What is a Richter’s hernia?
Occurs when only one side of the bowel herniates through an opening, causing only one part to become ischaemic if strangulated
What is a Maydl’s hernia?
Herniation of two loops of bowel through the abdominal wall
Describe the boundaries of the femoral triangle
Sartorius muscle- laterally
Aductor longus- medially
Inguinal ligament- superiorly
Describe the contents of the femoral triangle
Lateral -> medial Femoral nerve Femoral artery Femoral vein Femoral canal
Describe the difference between inguinal and femoral hernias on examination
Femoral: inferolateral to the pubic tubercle
Inguinal: superomedial to the pubic tubercle