What Is An Inguinal Hernia?
Inguinal hernias (IPA: /ɪnˈgwinəl ˈhɝniəz/) are protrusions of abdominal cavity contents through the inguinal canal. They are very common and their repair is one of the most frequently performed surgical operations.
There are two types of inguinal hernia, direct and indirect. Direct inguinal hernias occur when abdominal contents herniate through a weak point in the fascia of the abdominal wall and into the inguinal canal. Indirect inguinal hernias occur when abdominal contents protrude through the deep inguinal ring; this is ultimately caused by failure of embryonic closure of the internal inguinal ring.
In men, inguinal hernias usually arise as a consequence of the descent of the testes from the abdomen into the scrotum during the development of the urinary and reproductive organs. They are more commonly seen in men due to larger size of their inguinal canal, which transmitted the testicle and accommodates the structures of the spermatic cord. Men are 25 times more likely to have an inguinal hernia than women, but since this is such a common problem in the general population (it is estimated that 5% of the population will develop an abdominal wall hernia), inguinal hernia does occur in women to some extent.
The diagnosis of inguinal hernia rests on the history given by the patient and the physician’s examination of the groin. Further tests are rarely needed to confirm the diagnosis. However, in unclear cases an ultrasound scan or a CT scan might be of help, especially to rule out a hydrocele.
Written by admin on November 17th, 2007 with
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