Hernias Flashcards
What is a common medical condition characterized by protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening in the body?
Hernia
Most common in the abdominal region but can also be found in the groin (inguinal hernia) and upper thigh (femoral hernia).
What are the three classifications of hernias?
- Reducible
- Irreducible (incarcerated)
- Strangulated (blood supply compromised)
Reducible hernias return to normal location spontaneously or manually, irreducible ones cannot, and strangulated hernias have compromised blood supply.
Where is a femoral hernia located?
Below the inguinal ligament and medial to the mid-inguinal point
Less common than inguinal hernias.
What is the management for a femoral hernia?
Refer for surgery urgently
High risk of strangulation; hernia support belts should not be used.
What is a key clinical feature of inguinal hernias?
Soft lump in the inguinal (groin) region
Types include indirect inguinal hernia and direct inguinal hernia.
What distinguishes an indirect inguinal hernia?
Bowel herniates through the inguinal canal
Most common type of inguinal hernia, may be congenital or acquired.
What is a specific finding for diagnosing an indirect inguinal hernia?
Reduce hernia and apply pressure to deep inguinal ring; hernia remains reduced
Useful for differentiating from direct inguinal hernia.
Where does a direct inguinal hernia occur?
Directly through the abdominal wall via Hesselbach’s triangle
Typically acquired and more common in older adults.
What are the boundaries of Hesselbach’s triangle?
- Rectus abdominis muscle (medial border)
- Inferior epigastric vessels (superolateral border)
- Poupart’s ligament (inguinal ligament) (inferior border)
Important for understanding direct inguinal hernia anatomy.
What is a hiatus hernia?
Herniation of stomach up through the diaphragm
Occurs when the opening of the diaphragm is wider, allowing the stomach to enter.
What are the types of hiatus hernias?
- Sliding
- Rolling
- Combo sliding & rolling
- Large opening with additional organs entering thorax
Each type has different implications for treatment and symptoms.
What are common risk factors for hiatus hernia?
- Increasing age
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
These factors contribute to the likelihood of developing a hiatus hernia.
What are clinical features of a hiatus hernia?
- Dyspepsia
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
- Burping
- Bloating
- Halitosis
Symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency.
What is the treatment for hiatus hernia?
- Conservative (treat GORD)
- Surgical repair (laparoscopic fundoplication)
Treatment approach may vary based on severity and symptoms.
What characterizes a paediatric inguinal hernia?
- Common in preterm infants and males
- Usually diagnosed in the first year of life
- Due to patency of processus vaginalis
Early diagnosis and management are critical.
What are clinical features of paediatric inguinal hernia?
- Soft lump in groin or scrotum
- More noticeable when infant crying
- Most asymptomatic unless complications occur
Complications may include incarceration, bowel obstruction, and strangulation.
What is the management for paediatric inguinal hernia?
Surgical repair as soon as possible
This reduces the risk of complications.
What are potential complications of paediatric inguinal hernia?
- Incarceration
- Bowel obstruction
- Strangulation
- Recurrence (after surgery)
Monitoring is essential post-surgery to prevent complications.
Incarecerated vs strangulated hernia?
Strangulated will be painful
