Hernias Flashcards
What is a hernia?
A protrusion of a viscera/organ out of its containing cavity
Name some risk factors of developing hernias.
Male Increasing age Raised intra-abdominal pressure Obesity
What is the mid inguinal point? What is found here?
The point between ASIS and pubic symphysis The femoral artery
What is the midpoint of the inguinal ligament? What is found here?
The point between ASIS and pubic tubercle The deep inguinal ring (entrance to the inguinal canal)
What is the difference between direct and indirect hernias?
Direct- bowel enters inguinal canal DIRECTLY through a weakness in the posterior wall of the canal (Hesselbach’s triangle)
Indirect-bowel enters the inguinal canal via the deep inguinal ring (due to congenital weakness here) and exits through the superficial ring
What are the three main complications of inguinal hernias?
Incarceration
Obstruction
Strangulation
Name some different types of hernia
Inguinal hernia
Femoral hernia
Hiatus hernia
Umbilical hernia
Incisional hernia
What are the signs and symptoms of inguinal herniation?
Mass in the groin
Accentuated when coughing or on standing
Reduicible
Pain (likely to be strangulated if painful)
How is an inguinal hernia diagnoised?
Clinical diagnosis based on history and examination
Ultrasound scan
What is a hiatus hernia?
When weakness in the diaphragm allows the stomach and intestines to move into the chest cavity.
Name some risk factors for hiatus hernia
Constipation
Obesity
Name some signs and symptoms of hiatus hernia
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and the symptoms of such
In relation to the inferior epigastric vessels, what is the difference between a direct and an indirect inguinal hernia?
Direct: medial to the inferior epigastric vessels
Indirect: lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels
