Hernias

Question 1

How can the location of an inguinal hernia be described (2)?

Answer 1

Superior and medial to the pubic tubercle

Question 2

Name something that can make an inguinal hernia disappear

Answer 2

• Lying down
• Pressure

Question 3

What is the anatomical difference between a direct and an indirect inguinal hernia?

Answer 3

Direct = hernia through posterior wall of inguinal canal (Hesselbach triangle). Indirect = hernia through inguinal canal (inguinal ring)

Question 4

1) How is a unilateral inguinal hernia managed?
2) How are bilateral/recurring inguinal hernia managed?

Answer 4

1) Mesh repair with an open approach
2) Laparoscopically

Question 5

Which type of inguinal hernia protrudes lateral to the inferior epigastric artery, and which protrudes medially?

Answer 5

Direct = medial
Indirect = lateral

Question 6

Which type of groin hernia has the highest strangulation risk?

Answer 6

Femoral hernia

Question 7

Which type of groin hernia is most likely to occur in females?

Answer 7

Femoral hernina

Question 8

A femoral hernia is when abdominal contents pass into what?

Answer 8

Femoral canal via the femoral ring

Question 9

What is the location of femoral hernia in relation to the pubic tubercle

Answer 9

Inferolateral

Question 10

What does ‘incarcerated’ mean when referring to a hernia?

Answer 10

Herniated tissue can’t be reduced

Question 11

What does ‘strangulation’ mean when referring to a hernia?

Answer 11

Compromised blood supply to a hernia leading to necrosis or ischaemia

Question 12

How does an obturator hernia normally present?

Answer 12

Bowel obstruction