Hernias

Question 1

What are the 2 general causes for hernias?

Answer 1

Weakness in the containing cavity

Increased intra-abdominal pressure

Question 2

What are the boundaries of the inguinal canal?

Answer 2

Floor - inguinal ligament with the lacunar ligament medially
Roof - IO and TA
Posterior - Transversailis fascia (conjoint tendon medially)
Anterior wall - EO aponeurosis and IO muscle laterally

Question 3

What percentages of abdominal hernias are indirect, direct, incisional, umbilical and femoral?

Answer 3

50% indirect
25% direct
10% incisional 
10% umbilical 
3-5% femoral

Question 4

What are the borders of the femoral canal?

Answer 4

Medial - lacunar ligament
Lateral - femoral vein
Posterior - pectineal ligament, superior ramus of the pubis and the pectineus muscle
Anterior - inguinal ligament