Hernias Flashcards
What is a hernia?
An abnormal protrusion of a viscus outwith its normal body cavity
How may abdominal wall hernias arise?
Stretching or surgical incision of a natural openings or weak areas
What are the different types of abdominal wall hernias?
Inguinal, femoral, umbilicus, oesophageal hiatus, obturator
What are the predisposing factors for abdominal hernias?
Heavy lifting, coughing, constipation, prostatism, pregnancy and obesity
(i.e. raised intrabdominal pressure)
How can hernias be classified?
Reducible or irreducible
if it goes back in or not
What are the subdivisions of irreducible hernias?
Obstructed or incarcerated
What is strangulation?
When the blood supply to the section of the bowel through the area of weakness is stopped due to the window clamping shut
What does strangulation results in?
Gangrene (localised cell death)
Death
What is an incisional hernia?
Type of hernia caused by an incompletely-healed surgical wound?
What is the aetiology of incisional hernia?
Age, obesity, general debility, post-operative wound infection, post operative wound haematoma, raised intra-abdominal pressure, steroids and type of incision
What is an umbilical hernia?
A sac formed from the inner lining of you abdominal cavity that pushes through the abdominal wall at the belly button
What is an epigastric hernia?
Protrusion normally seen between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus due to a weakness of the linea alba
Usually contains extraperitoneal fat
How is an epigastric hernia repaired?
Sutures or mesh
What is a congenital umbilical hernia?
Congenital malformation of the umbilicus
By what age is a congenital umbilical hernia usually resolved?
Aged 3
operate if over 3
Are paediatric inguinal hernias more common in males or females?
Males
9:1
What patients are paediatric inguinal hernias more common in?
Pre-term and low birth weight infants
Which side are paediatric inguinal hernias more common in?
Right
What is the treatment for paediatric inguinal hernias?
Urgent operation if below 1 year old as there is an increased risk of strangulation
What is a femoral hernia?
A bulge in the upper part of the thigh near the groin
Anatomy: defect through the femoral canal
They are below and lateral to the pubic tubercle, usually flatten the groin crease
What patients are femoral hernias common in?
Thin elderly females
10X more common in females
