A study of inguinal hernia - on anatomical basis

Abstract

Background and objectives: Inguinal hernia is very common in males and the predetermination of type of inguinal hernia before surgery may be useful for the treatment plan. Various authors have attempted to classify the types of inguinal hernia based on several criteria. Various modes of classification for inguinal hernia have been described, but none of them seem to be complete, comprehensive and satisfactory because of some lacunae. The types, which are mentioned by some investigators have been turned down or disproved due to some pitfalls and they have been modified and refined. The existence of the spectrum of inguinal hernia with wide scope of divergence appears to be more heterogenous in expression. Hence, an attempt has been made to study the inguinal hernia - on anatomical basis. Materials & methods: One hundred South Indian male patients with definite inguinal hernia formed material for the study. Measurements were taken with strict aseptic precaution pre and post operatively by using a divider and a metal scale. Results: Out of 100 cases 89 were of indirect type and the remaining are direct type. They are further classified based on several other criteria which are followed by many authors. Conclusion: Even though several criteria are followed to subdivide the hernia into many subtypes, some lacunae were found and recommendations are given to rectify it.

Keywords

• classification
• direct inguinal hernia
• indirect inguinal hernia
• inguinal canal
• deep inguinal ring
• superficial inguinal ring