Soft tissue surgery (hernias) Flashcards
what is a hernia?
full thickness defect in an anatomical structure allowing protrusion of viscera
what are the 2 components of a hernia?
ring (border of defect)
sac (mesothelial layer coating hernia)
what are the types of hernias?
internal/external
true/false
spontaneous/acquired
reducible/incarcerated/strangulating
what is a true hernia?
hernia through an existing anatomical opening
what is a false hernia?
hernia through a rupture/trauma (opening that should be there)
what is an incarcerated hernia?
one that isn’t reducible through the ring
what are some pathophysiological consequences of hernias?
loss of domain
incarceration
strangulation
what does loss of domain mean when describing a hernia?
the cavity adapts to lower its volume to having less contents in it so it makes repair harder and increased pressure when put back in (compartment syndrome)
what is the main problem of incarceration?
lumen of the herniated structure can become obstructed
what is strangulation of a hernia?
loss of blood supply to the herniated structure leading to necrosis and possibly rupture (release of the contents can worsen the condition)
what can cause a delayed strangulating hernia?
traumatic hernia ring healing and fibrosis causing constriction to the contents
what should be done to hernia contents of strangulating hernias?
resect them if they aren’t viable to prevent the release of toxins
what causes umbilical hernias?
an incomplete fusion of the ventral abdominal wall
what are the two types of inguinal hernias?
direct and indirect
what is a direct inguinal hernia?
herniation through the inguinal ring adjacent to the vaginal process into subcutaneous tissue
what is an indirect hernia?
herniation through the inguinal ring into the cavity of the vaginal process
what are some possible causes of weakened/enlarged inguinal rings?
oestrogen
malnutrition
obesity (increased intrabdominal pressure)
what type of hernia is a scrotal hernias?
indirect inguinal hernia (of male dogs)
are scrotal hernias usually reducible?
tend to be incarcerated or strangulated
why are traumatic hernias more prone to adhesions/incarceration?
lack a hernia sac due to peritoneal being torn during trauma (ring constricts during healing leading to strangulation)