Inguinal Hernia Assessment

A groin inguinal hernia occurs when part of the intestine bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal wall at the inguinal canal.

Inguinal hernia assessment. The inguinal canal is a passageway through the abdominal wall near the groin. Inguinal hernias are one of the most common reasons a primary care patient may need referral for surgical intervention. Stable pain discomfort pallor muscle wasting cachexia. It s often in or near the groin area.

An inguinal hernia occurs when abdominal cavity contents enter into the inguinal canal. In this article we shall look at the classification clinical features and management of inguinal herniae. Inguinal hernia examination introduction w ash hands i ntroduce self ask p atients name dob what they like to be called e xplain examination and get consent get a chaperone expose patient from waist down and ask them to stand up apply gloves general inspection patient. Where there is diagnostic uncertainty an ultrasound scan of the groin can help differentiate between other possible causes such as enlarged lymph nodes fatty lumps or vascular pathology.

1 inguinal hernias in both term and preterm infants are commonly repaired shortly after diagnosis to avoid incarceration of the hernia. If a testicular swelling is noted or there is suspicion of an inguinal hernia palpation of the scrotum should be performed with the patient s consent. The majority of inguinal hernias can be accurately identified with a clinical examination. The incidence of inguinal hernias is approximately 3 to 5 in term infants and 13 in infants born at less than 33 weeks of gestational age.

They are the most common type of hernia and account for around 75 of all anterior abdominal wall hernias with a prevalence of 4 in those over 45 years. In the case of a suspected inguinal hernia the area can be auscultated which should reveal prevalent bowel sounds 8 indicating the presence of an inguinal hernia. Anybody can get an inguinal. Inguinal hernias can extend into the scrotum.

50 of these occur in infants aged younger than 6 months paediatric surgeons will repair soon after diagnosis regardless of age or weight in healthy full term infant boys with asymptomatic reducible inguinal hernias. The incidence of incarcerated or strangulated hernias in paediatric patients is 12 16. An inguinal hernia occurs when soft tissues protrude through an area of weakness or a defect in your lower abdominal muscles. Inguinal hernia is a common condition requiring surgical repair in the pediatric age group.

Inguinal hernias are up to 10 times more common in men than in women. When palpating an inguinal hernia in the scrotum you will not be able to get above the mass. Inguinal hernias are noted to be more prevalent on the right side than the left.