Inguinal Hernia

Question 1

What is an inguinal hernia?

Answer 1

When the organs protrude through the inguinal canal resulting in swelling in the groin area.

Question 2

What classification can these be?

Answer 2

unilateral, bilateral,

congenital or acquired

Question 3

what are inguinal hernia commonly found in

Answer 3

entire males

Question 4

Why are these hernias an emergency?

Answer 4

The hernia can become incarcerated or strangulated, especially if the bladder or uterus is involved

Question 5

How are inguinal hernias repaired?

Answer 5

They are repaired surgically by making an incision into the affected inguinal region, and exposing the hernia.
The hernia ring is partially closed using absorbable suture, full closure is not achieved because the genitofemoral nerve and the external pudendal artery and vein exit through this opening normally

Question 6

Patient Prep

Answer 6

The hair is clipped around the affected inguinal region and the adjacent midline.

Question 7

Patient Positioning

Answer 7

: The patient is placed in dorsal recumbency. The limbs should be secured out of the way with the use of leg ties. If the patient is deep chested, sandbags or a V trough may be of use to keep the patient as straight as possible.

Question 8

Instruments and materials

Answer 8

Instrumentation and Materials: A general surgical kit is all that is required. A fenestrated drape, reflecting the size of the patient, is appropriate for this procedure.