Hernias
Dr. Saleh M. Aldaqal MBBS, FRCSI,SBGS
Assistant Professor and Consultant General And laparoscopic Surgery(france),
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University.
www.dr-aldaqal.com
What is a hernia
Hernia is derived from the Latin for
"rupture"
It is the protrusion of an organ or part of an organ through a defecte in the wall of the cavity normally containing it.
Types of hernia
Inguinal
Indirect or indirect
Femoral Herniation through the femoral
canal
Types of hernia
Incisional Herniation
through an area weakened by a scar
Umbilical
Paraumbilical
Acquired defect above or below the umbilicus
Epigastric
in the midline of abdomen above the
umbilicus caused by a defect in linea alba.
Groin Hernias
Incidence:
- Groin hernias are found in 5% of male population.
- Represents 86% of all hernia cases.
- It occurs 5 times more often in males than females.
- Inguinal 96% ( indirect 75%, direct 25%).
- Bilateral in 20% of cases
- Right sided hernias are more frequent than left sided ones
- Femoral 4%.
Indirect inguinal hernia
Pathophysiology
a. Nonobliterated processus vaginalis (congenital).
b. Internal abdominal ring weakened fascia.
Lateral to inferior epigastrics vessels .
Direct Inguinal Hernia
Incidence: 25% of hernia cases
The hernia contents enter the inguinal canal directly via a gap or defect in transversalis fascia, the floor of Hasselbach's Triangle.
These hernias are generally considered to be acquired, and may be associated with heavy lifting, straining due to constipation,
coughing, or prostatic enlargement.
Boundaries of Hasselbach's Triangle
A. Medial boundary: Rectus abdominis B. Lateral boundary: Inferior epigastric
vessels
C. Inferior boundary: Inguinal ligament
Bilateral Hernia
Definition: Simultaneous Right and Left Inguinal Hernia
Common in children and elderly men
If a left inguinal hernia is preesnt, there is a 25% risk of an occult right inguinal hernia
Symptoms
A. Often asymptomatic (especially in direct hernias)
B. Pain or dull sensation in groin
Complications
A. Bowel incarceration ( acute, chronic ) B. strangulation
C. Small Bowel Obstruction
Sliding Hernia
Posterior wall of sac is a viscous. Seen in 3%
of hernia procedures. Great care must be taken to avoid visceral damage during the repair.
Pantaloon Hernia
Direct and indirect hernias co-existing on same side
Etiology for some recurrences.
Richter's Hernia
Antimesenteric boarder only of the small
intestine is incarcerated in the deep inguinal ring, therefore intestinal obstruction may be absent, but gangrene of the bowel wall may occur.
FEMORAL HERNIA
I. Epidemiology
A. Accounts for 4% of Groin Hernias (96% are inguinal)
B. More common in elderly women
C. Gender predisposition: Female by 3 to 1 ratio 1. Femoral seen less than Inguinal Hernia even
in women
II. Pathophysiology
A. Associated with increased intraabdominal pressure
B. Hernia sac bulges into femoral canal
. Femoral canal lies immediately medial to femoral vein
INCISIONAL HERNIA
I. Pathophysiology
A. Type of Ventral Hernia
B. Develops in scar of prior laparotomy or drain site C. Risks for postoperative hernia development
1. Vertical scar more commonly affected than horizontal
2. Wound infection 3. Wound dehiscence 4. Malnutrition
5. Obesity
6. Tobacco abuse
Treatment Options
All hernias should be surgically corrected to remove the risk of incarceration and
strangulation.
If there are compelling co-morbid medical
conditions that preclude surgery, then a truss, or support hernia belt may be employed. A truss
does not repair the hernia defect, but will afford some relief of symptoms.
Modern methods of repair include open primary closure of the defect with sutures (Shouldice or
"Canadian" Repair, Bassini Repair); patch closure with prosthetic materials (Polypropylene or
Gortex) tension-free (Lichtenstein-type) and laparoscopic repair.
