Hernias Flashcards
What is a hernia?
Protrusion of an organ through a defect in it’s containing cavity (typically bowel)
A hernia can be _____ meaning it can be manually pushed back into place
reducible
What may cause an irreducible hernia (can’t be pushed back into place)?
Obstructed (intestinal obstruction)
Strangulated (intestinal ischaemia)
Incarcerated (fixed due to sac size or adhesions)
Name 3 types of hernias
Hiatal
Inguinal
Femoral
What is a hiatal hernia?
Stomach herniates through diaphragm aperture
What does a rolling hiatal hernia refer to?
When the lower oesophageal sphincter stays in the abdomen but part of the fundus rolls into thorax
What does a sliding hiatal hernia refer to?
When the lower oesophageal sphincter slides into the abdomen
What are symptoms of a hiatal hernia?
GORD
dysphagia
How can a hiatal hernia be diagnosed?
Chest Xray
Barium swallow (diagnostic)
OesophagealGastroDuodenoscopy
Hiatal hernias are especially seen in…
Obese women and over 50s
What is a femoral hernia?
Bowel herniates through femoral cord
True or false: a femoral hernia is likely to strangulate
True
Due to rigid femoral canal borders
Femoral hernias are typically seen in…
Females, mid-old age
What are symptoms of a femoral hernia?
Swelling in upper thigh, pointing down
How is a femoral hernia diagnosed?
Usually clinically
Abdominal/pelvic ultrasound if unsure
What is an inguinal hernia?
Spermatic cord herniates down though inguinal canal
What are risk factors for an inguinal hernia?
Male
History of heavy lifting/abdominal pressure
What are symptoms of an inguinal hernia?
Painful swelling in groin, points along groin margin
How is an inguinal hernia diagnosed?
Usually clinically
If unsure, abdominal ultrasound or CT/MRI
How are hernias treated?
Surgery
