Добавил:
kiopkiopkiop18@yandex.ru t.me/Prokururor I Вовсе не секретарь, но почту проверяю Опубликованный материал нарушает ваши авторские права? Сообщите нам.
Вуз: Предмет: Файл:

Ординатура / Хирургия / Библиотека им академика М.И. Перельмана / Книга_972_Библиотеки_им_академика_М_И_Перельмана

.pdf
Скачиваний:
0
Добавлен:
31.08.2026
Размер:
28 Мб
Скачать
60
Hernia Surgery Simplied
atten itself against the abdominal wall. Pull the device with sucient tension to assure tight seating against the abdominal wall as demonstrated in Figure 5.19. It is important to manually ensure that no tissue is trapped between the device and the abdominal wall. Secure the patch to the margins of the defect through the mesh straps to anterior fascia (Fig. 5.20). Excess length of the straps should be cut o and discarded. e incision should then be closed. It is recommended that non-absorbable sutures be used to xate the patch. Alternative means of xation (i.e. tissue adhesives, staples, tackers) have not been evaluated.
Polytetrauoroethylene
Prosthetics of this material are typically solid but can be woven. Tissue response to polytetrauoroethylene (PTFE) is characteristic of mesothelialization along with a lesser chronic inamatory response than heavyweight polypropylene. On rare occasions, a membrane can form around the polymer and secrete serous uid, leading to persistent seroma on both sides of the prosthesis. When reoperating through PTFE, one should take care to avoid pulling the prosthetic o the abdominal wall to minimize the risk of subsequent infection. If mesh infection is present, the entire prosthetic generally needs to be removed.
Available products include Parietex (Sofradim Corporation), Proceed (Ethicon, Inc), Sepramesh-IP (Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge, MA), and C-Qur (Atrium Medical, Hudson, NH). e latter is a promising new product coated on both sides with a nonpolymeric, omega-3 fatty acid coating derived from sh oil.
Preshaped Mesh Device for Inguinal Hernia
Bard® 3DMax® Mesh (Figs 5.18 to 5.20)
The Bard3DMax meshis a three-dimensional,
anatomically formed prosthesis for use in laparoscopic
inguinalherniarepair.eBard3DMaxmeshhasbeen
designed based on careful and precise anatomical research of the inguinal canal. The result is a truly unique prosthesis for laparoscopic hernia surgery.
eBard3DMax meshwasdeveloped byDrPhilippe
Pajotin, a prominent laparoscopic surgeon. After years of performing transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP)
Prosthetics without a Barrier
The product with the most data for intraperitoneal
useis DualMesh(WLGore, Inc). is pure,expanded
PTFE mesh has been used in thousands of repairs with excellent clinical results and an acceptable cost prole.18
Anothersolid,purePTFEproductisDulexMesh(Davol,
Inc). Both prosthetics are smooth on the viscera side and more porous on the abdominal wall side. However,their handling, pore size, and conguration dier signicantly.
Prosthetics with Absorbable Barriers
Absorbable barriers are designed to protect the viscera from adhering to the polymeric prosthetic long enough for the body to cover the mesh with a mesothelial layer. Most absorbable barriers are polymeric and degrade within two weeks, but the optimal absorption rate is unknown. Barriers can be on one or both sides. e former run the risk of exposing the bare prosthetic to the viscera along the edges. e latter have a theoretic risk of slowing abdominal wall tissue in-growth.
Fig. 5.18A
Prosthesis Used in Hernioplasty
Fig. 5.19: Device on abdominal wall
61
Fig. 5.18B
Fig. 5.18C
Figs 5.18A to C: Bard 3D max mesh
Fig. 5.20: Mesh strap
repair, Dr Pajotincameto therealizationthat aflat
sheet of mesh may not be the ideal conguration for a laparoscopic repair. After all, the inguinal anatomy was anything but the two-dimensional image seen on the monitor. After careful cadaver research and molding,
DrPajotindevelopedwhathe believedtobe the ideal
prosthetic—one that was anatomically formed and
shapedtotheinguinalanatomy.eBard3DMaxmesh
oers signicant advantages over current laparoscopic mesh alternatives:
 • Anatomically formed: TheBard3DMaxmesh is
perfectly suited to the inguinal anatomy. It is a three-
62
Hernia Surgery Simplied
Fig. 5.21: Bard visilex mesh
dimensional, anatomically shaped mesh for use in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.
 • Comes in left and right orientations: Duetoitsprecise
anatomicalform,theBard3DMaxmeshisoeredin
a left and right orientation. is allows for precise and specic mesh positioning for any inguinal hernia.
 • Reinforced edge: A reinforced edge helps to maintain
the curved, three-dimensional shape of the Bard
3DMaxmesh.Additionally,thisedgeallowsforeasier
mesh positioning and overall xation.
Bard Visilex Mesh (Fig. 5.21)
Bard Visilex mesh is the first polypropylene mesh specifically designed for laparoscopic hernia repair. Visilex mesh directly addresses the critical issues associated with laparoscopic procedures. More specically, it delivers maximum visibility, enhanced maneuverability and retains a at prole after insertion through the trocar. Visilex mesh is the culmination of input and insight from laparoscopic surgeons. With a myriad of clinical benets, it will change the way you look at laparoscopic hernia repair. e Visilex reinforced edge can be easily grasped and manipulated with standard laparoscopic instruments, eliminating the need for additional instruments to assist in mesh positioning. e Visilex reinforced edge also helps the mesh easily return to its original at shape after simple insertion through
thetrocar. Duringplacement,the meshmaintains
exibility necessary to conform to the anatomy—without ever losing the integrity of its shape. Visilex mesh is the rst laparoscopic mesh to oer the clinical advantage of a patented reinforced edge. Visilex Mesh Comes with one other significant advantage: monofilament polypropylene.
Fig. 5.22: Gore Dualmesh® biomaterial
Visilex mesh is constructed with monofilament polypropylene. This proven material is inert in the presence of infection, will not harbor bacteria, and promotes tissue ingrowth. Furthermore, the unique knit construction of Visilex mesh will not unravel.
Gore Dualmesh® Biomaterial (Fig. 5.22)
Indications
Reconstruction of hernias and soft tissue deciencies and for the temporary bridging of fascial defects.
Surface Orientation
Correct surface orientation is extremely important for GoreDualmesh Biomaterial to function as intended. One surface of the product has been textured for identication. is textured surface should be placed adjacent to those tissues where tissue ingrowth is desired. e other, smoother surface should be placed adjacent to those tissues where minimal tissue attachment is desired (i.e. serosal surfaces).
Suturing
Use only nonabsorbable sutures, such as Gore-Tex Suture, with a noncutting needle (such as taper or piercing point) of appropriate size to anchor the mesh. e use of absorbable sutures may lead to inadequate
anchoringof GoreDualmesh Biomaterial to the host
tissue and necessitate reoperation. For best results, use monofilament sutures. Suture size should be
Prosthesis Used in Hernioplasty
63
determined by surgeon preference and the nature of
thereconstruction. WhensuturingGore Dualmesh
Biomaterial to the host tissue, a bite and spacing ratio
of1:1inbothGoreDualmesh Biomaterial and the host
tissue is recommended. e same ratio applies when
suturingtwo piecesof GoreDualmesh Biomaterial
together. Follow the curve of the needle when piercing the material and pierce through the full thickness of the material to ensure adequate mechanical strength of the material. Interrupted sutures can provide additional security against recurrence due to suture failure. Mattress suturing can provide additional strength to the suture line.
Other Fixation Devices
Staples or helical tacks (also known as helical coils) can be used as an alternative to sutures. Staple size and staple or tack spacing should be determined by surgeon preference to provide for adequate tissue xation and to prevent reherniation.
Complications Related to the Use of Prosthetics
Materials composed of polypropylene and polyester insight a prompt and strong broblastic tissue response with minimal inammation. is response consists of macrophages and giant cells, most of which eventually disappear. Fibroblastic activity allows rapid integration of the prosthesis into tissues; however, contraction of the enveloping scar tissue creates undesirable deformation of unsecured pieces of the monolament; its free margins tend to curl, and small pieces roll up. ere also have been some reports in the literature of freeform and preformed prosthetic mesh products migrating. Serum or blood that accumulate in dead spaces surrounding any prosthesis becomes an excellent media for infection. Suction drainage is therefore advisable to eliminate dead space as well as to remove serum collections. Intestinal obstruction and fistula formation are serious complications and often require removal of the mesh/prosthesis. When a prosthesis is
placed inside the peritoneal cavity, various degrees of visceral adhesions form depending upon the type of material used. When this is unavoidable, omentum or an absorbable prosthesis should be interposed between the mesh and the bowel. Treatment of infection involves the application of basic surgical principles. Although most infections occur acutely, delayed infections involving nonabsorbable prostheses can occur months or years later. In the case of an acute infection of a groin hernia repair, it is advisable to quickly and widely open the wound (including the subcutaneous layer down to the external oblique) to avoid chronic sinus formation. A specimen should be taken for culture and sensitivity, irrigation and antibiotics started and healing observed by secondary intention. Frequent wound check to remove accumulated uid is advisable. If a prosthetic mesh had been used in the repair, it can usually be left in place if the above measures are employed promptly. If the wound closes, but a sinus continues to drain, it is likely that the mesh and all old suture material will need to be removed. Unlike early infection, when the mesh can be salvaged, late infection involving mesh requires the complete removal of the unincorporated material, although the incorporated mesh may be left undisturbed. If the surgeon encounters an inammatory granuloma in the course of repairing a recurrent inguinal hernia, it is prudent to avoid using a new prosthesis. Gram staining of the inammatory granuloma at the time of surgery is not suciently reliable to exclude subsequent infection. In most cases of persistent infection related to a prior prosthetic repair, the culprit is the nature of the suture material rather than the graft itself. Multilament and braided sutures, such as silk and cotton should be avoided. Although there are vast armamentarium of surgical mesh available in market as of today, we have compiled a few mesh from the market. ere are still more mesh available globally. is is the information up-to-date till going to press. e surgeon should analyze the need of the mesh for the particular patient and proceed for the choice of mesh.
Classication of Hernia
Chapter
6
Classication of Abdominal Hernia
All groin hernia classications are somewhat arbitrary and articial. Currently, there is no consensus among either general surgeons or hernia specialists as to a preferred system. A survey by Zollinger in 1998 of hernia specialists in North American and Europe showed, that although the Nyhus, Gilbert, and Schumpelick-Arit systems were commonly used, the majority of these specialists still used the traditional classication for groin hernias. It is apparent that only the traditional classication of groin hernias has stood the test of time. As stated by Fitzgibbons, “the primary purpose of a classification system for any disease is to stratify for severity so that reasonable comparisons can be made between various treatment strategies.” Given the multiplicity of operative techniques and approaches for the repair of groin hernias, it appears that no one classication system can satisfy all. With time, it is likely that we will settle upon a given operation for a specic type of inguinal hernia. For that given operation to be accepted as proven best, however, it is essential the competing operations be applied to similar (classied) groups of groin hernia patients. Numerous classications for groin and ventral hernias have been proposed over the past ve to six decades. The old, simple classification of groin hernia in to direct, inguinal and femoral components is no longer adequate to understand the complex pathophysiology and management of these hernias.
Classication of Groin Hernias
The Most Popular Classications
Casten divided hernias into three stages:
 • Stage 1: An indirect hernia with a normal internal
ring.
 • Stage 2: An indirect hernia with an enlarged or
distorted internal ring.
 • Stage 3: All direct or femoral hernias. Halverson and McVay classication divided hernias into
four classes:
 • Class 1: Small indirect hernia.  • Class 2: Medium indirect hernia.  • Class 3: Large indirect hernia or direct hernia.  • Class 4: Femoral hernia.
Ponka’s system dened two types of indirect hernia:
1. Uncomplicated indirect inguinal hernia
2. Sliding indirect inguinal hernia. ree types of direct hernias:
1. Small defect in the medial aspect of Hesselbach’s triangle near the pubic tubercle
2. Diverticular hernia in the posterior wall with an otherwise intact inguinal oor
3. A large diuse direct inguinal hernia of the entire oor of Hesselbach’s triangle.
Gilbert designed a classification for primary and recurrent inguinal hernias done through an anterior approach (Fig. 6.1). It is based on evaluating three factors:
1. Presence or absence of a peritoneal sac
2. Size of the internal ring
3. Integrity of the posterior wall of the canal.
Types 1, 2 and 3 are indirect hernias; types 4 and 5 are direct hernia:
 • Type1 herniashavea peritonealsac passing
through an intact internal ring that will not admit 1 ngerbreadth (i.e. < 1 cm); the posterior wall is intact.
 • Type 2 hernias (the most common indirect
hernia) have a peritoneal sac coming through
Fig. 6.1:  Gilbert classication. Five types of primary
and recurrent inguinal hernias
Classication of Hernia
Of these and other classifications that have been proposed, a recent survey indicated that the most commonly used classifications by members of the American Hernia Society are the classical indirect/direct
designation,thatofNyhus,andthatofGilbert/Rutkow andRobbins.Mostrecently,Zollingerproposedaunied
classication of groin hernias that combines one of the most commonly used individual classications and is applicable to the anterior and posterior approaches. e principal feature of Zollinger’s combined classication is the recognition that a large indirect hernia defect also imposes on the posterior wall, and in eect becomes a combined defect.
65
a 1-fingerbreadth internal ring (i.e. ≤2 cm); the posterior wall is intact.
 • Type3herniashaveaperitonealsaccomingthrough
a 2-ngerbreadth or wider internal ring (i.e. >2 cm).
 • Type3hernias frequentlyare completeandoften
have a sliding component. ey begin to break down a portion of the posterior wall just medial to the internal ring.
 • Type 4herniashavea fullfloor posteriorwall
breakdown or multiple defects in the posterior wall. e internal ring is intact, and there is no peritoneal sac.
 • Type5 herniasarepubictubercle recurrenceor
primary diverticular hernias. ere is no peritoneal sac and the internal ring remains intact. In cases where double hernias exist, both types are designated (e.g. Types 2/4).
 • In1993,RutkowandRobbinsaddedaType6tothe
Gilbert classication to designate double inguinal
hernias and a Type 7 to designate a femoral hernia. Nyhus developed a classification designed for the posterior approach based on the size of the internal ring and the integrity of the posterior wall. According to this scheme:
 • Type1isanindirectherniawithanormalinternal
ring
 • Type2isanindirectherniawithanenlargedinternal
ring
 • Type3aisadirectinguinalhernia  • Type3bisanindirectherniacausingposteriorwall
weakness
 • Type3cisafemoralhernia  • Type4representsallrecurrenthernias.
Endoscopic/Laparoscopic Classication of Hernia
Classication of Inguinal Hernia for Total Extraperitoneal Repair
This functional classification grades groin hernias according to the preoperative predictive level of difficulty of endoscopic surgery. For multiple or pantaloon (direct and indirect components) hernias, grading is according to the dominant hernia. Bowel obstruction and strangulation are unsuitable for the total extraperitoneal (TEP) approach. Intraoperatively, the factors considered as predictors of the grade of diculty
include:Reducibility,degreeofdescentofthehernialsac,
previous hernia repair.
Grade I: Small, direct, reducible hernia. Grade II: Small, indirect, incomplete, reducible hernia. Grade III: Moderate-size indirect, reducible inguinal
hernia.
Grade IV: Large reducible indirect inguinoscrotal
hernia.
Grade V: Large, complete, indirect inguinal hernia.
Classication of Ventral Hernia
Grade I: Primary, small, completely reducible ventral
hernia.
Grade II: Completely reducible incisional hernia. Grade III: Primary hernia-partially reducible or
irreducible.
Grade IV: Primary hernia containing bowel, which is
partially reducible or irreducible.
66
Hernia Surgery Simplied
Grade V: Incisional hernia containing bowel-partially
reducible or irreducible.
Grade VI: Multiple scarred abdomen, multiple previous
incisions, previous hernia repair (recurrent incisional hernia).
Types of Abdominal Hernia
 • Inguinalhernia  • Femoralhernia  • Umbilicalhernia
Incisional hernia: An incisional hernia occurs when the defect is the result of an incompletely healed surgical wound. When these occur in median laparotomy incisions in the linea alba, they are termed ventral hernias. ese can be the most frustrating and dicult to treat, as the repair utilizes already attenuated tissue.
Diaphragmatic hernia: Higher in the abdomen, an internal “diaphragmatic hernia” results when part of the stomach or intestine protrudes into the chest cavity through a defect in the diaphragm. A hiatus hernia is a particular variant of this type, in which the normal passageway through which the esophagus meets the stomach (esophageal hiatus) serves as a functional “defect”, allowing part of the stomach to (periodically) “herniate” into the chest. Hiatus hernias may be either “sliding,” in which the gastroesophageal junction itself slides through the defect into the chest, or nonsliding (also known as paraesophageal), in which case the junction remains xed while another portion of the stomach moves up through the defect. Nonsliding or paraesophageal hernias can be dangerous as they may allow the stomach to rotate and obstruct. A congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a distinct problem, occurring in up to 1 in 2000 births, and requiring pediatric surgery. Intestinal organs may herniate through several parts of the diaphragm, posterolateral (in Bochdalek’s triangle, resulting in Bochdalek’s hernia), or anteromedial-retrosternal (in the cleft of Larrey/ Morgagni’s foramen, resulting in Morgagni-Larrey hernia, or Morgagni’s hernia).
Other Abdominal/Inguinal Hernias
Since many organs or parts of organs can herniate through many orices, it is very dicult to give an exhaustive list of hernias, with all synonyms and eponyms.
 • Cooper’s hernia: A femoral hernia with two sacs,
the rst being in the femoral canal, and the second passing through a defect in the supercial fascia and appearing immediately beneath the skin.
 • Epigastric hernia: A hernia through the linea alba
above the umbilicus.
 • Hiatal hernia: A hernia due to “short esophagus”-
insucient elongation-stomach is displaced into the thorax.
 • Littre’s hernia: A hernia involving a Meckel’s
diverticulum. It is named after the French anatomist Alexis Littre (1658-1726).
 • Lumbar hernia: A hernia in the lumbar region (not
to be confused with a lumbar disk hernia), contains the following entities:
Petit’s hernia: A hernia through Petit’s triangle
(inferior lumbar triangle). It is named after French surgeon Jean Louis Petit (1674-1750).
Grynfeltt’s hernia: A hernia through Grynfeltt-
Lesshaft triangle (superior lumbar triangle). It is named after physician Joseph Grynfeltt (1840-
1913).
 • Obturator hernia: Hernia through obturator canal.  • Pantaloon hernia: A combined direct and indirect
hernia, when the hernial sac protrudes on either side of the inferior epigastric vessels.
 • Paraumbilical hernia: A type of umbilical hernia
occurring in adults.
 • Perineal hernia: A perineal hernia protrudes through
the muscles and fascia of the perineal oor. It may be primary but usually, is acquired following perineal prostatectomy, abdominoperineal resection of the rectum, or pelvic exenteration.
 • Properitoneal hernia: Rarehernia locateddirectly
above the peritoneum, for example, when part of an inguinal hernia projects from the deep inguinal ring to the preperitoneal space.
 • Richter’s hernia: A hernia involving only one sidewall
of the bowel, which can result in bowel strangulation leading to perforation through ischemia without causing bowel obstruction or any of its warning signs. It is named after German surgeon August Gottlieb
Richter(1742-1812).
 • Sliding hernia: Occurs when an organ drags along
part of the peritoneum, or, in other words, the organ is part of the hernia sac. e colon and the urinary bladder are often involved. e term also frequently refers to sliding hernias of the stomach.
Classication of Hernia
67
 • Sciatic hernia: This hernia in the greater sciatic
foramen most commonly presents as an
uncomfortable mass in the gluteal area. Bowel
obstruction may also occur. is type of hernia is
only a rare cause of sciatic neuralgia.  • Spigelian hernia: It also known as spontaneous
lateral ventral hernia.
 • Sports hernia: A hernia characterized by chronic
groin pain in athletes and a dilated supercial ring of the inguinal canal.
 • Velpeau hernia: A hernia in the groin in front of the
femoral blood vessels.
Diagnosis of Hernia
Chapter
7
Presentation of Hernia
History and physical examination remain the best means of diagnosing hernias.
Inguinal Hernia
Examination of an Adult
 • Surgeoninseatedpositionwiththepatientstanding  • Surgeonvisualizestheinguinalcanalareasforthe
bulge
 • A provocativecoughis necessaryto exposethe
hernia.
Dothefollowing(Fig.7.1):  1. Askpatienttorepeatcough.  2. Invaginatescrotum.  3. Trytofeelimpulseininguinalregion.  4. Assessthediameterofinternalring. 5. Palpate thecord structure byfinger rolling
perpendicularto longaxisof cordjustmedial tointernalring (Lookfor thethickeningof cord structures).
 6. Putyourindexngeroninternalring,middlenger
onexternalringandringngeronthefemoralring. Askthe patienttocough. Read theimpressionof thetest. If youfeel impulseatindex fingerthen thisis indirectinguinalhernia;impulse atmiddle ngersuggestsdirectinguinalhernia;whileobvious impulseatringngerdenotesfemoralhernia.
   Whenattemptingtoidentifyahernia,lookfora
swellingormassintheareaofthefascialdefect.
 7. Placeangertipintothescrotalsacandadvanceup
intotheinguinalcanal.Iftheherniaiselsewhereon theabdomen,attemptto dene thebordersofthe
fascial defect.
 8. Iftheherniacomesfromsuperolateraltoinferomedial
andstrikesthedistaltipofthenger,itmostlikelyis
an indirect hernia.
 9. Iftheherniastrikesthepadofthengerfromdeepto
supercial,itismoreconsistentwithadirecthernia.
In Children
Palpationofthe cord—mayreveal thickened cord, particularlyduringstraining.  ereissensationofrubbingtwolayersofsilktogether (theSilksign).
Fig. 7.1: Examination of adult groin hernia
Diagnosis of Hernia
69
 Examinethechildintheuprightpositionbyapplying intermittentmanualpressuretotheabdomen.
Indirect hernias are most common.
Incarcerated Hernia
Ifthevisceralcontentsofahernialsacdonoteasilyreduce intotheperitonealcavity,theherniaisincarcerated.  Strangulatedherniasare differentiatedfrom in carceratedherniasbythefollowing:  • Painoutofproportiontoexaminationndings  • Feverortoxicappearance  • Painthatpersistsafterreductionofhernia.
Strangulated Hernia
 • Symptomsof anincarceratedhernia present
combinedwithatoxicappearance.  • Systemic toxicitysecondary toischemic bowelis
possible.
 • Strangulationisprobableifpainandtendernessof
anincarceratedherniapersistafterreduction.  • Suspect analternativediagnosis inpatientswho
haveasubstantialamountofpainwithoutevidence
ofincarcerationorstrangulation.
Reducible Hernia
Ifthecontentscanbereduced,theherniaisreducible.
Irreducible Hernia
Ifthe contentscannotbe reducedatall, thehernia is irreducible.
Other Hernias
Spigelian Hernia
ASpigelianhernia(orlateralventralhernia)isahernia throughthespigelian fascia,which is theaponeurotic layerbetween therectusabdominis muscle medially, andthe semilunarlinelaterally. ese herniasalmost alwaysdevelopatorbelowthelineaarcuata,probably becauseofthelackofposteriorrectussheath.eseare generallyinterparietalhernias,meaningthattheydonot liebelowthesubcutaneousfatbutpenetratebetweenthe musclesoftheabdominalwall;therefore,thereisoften nonotableswelling.  Spigelianherniasareusuallysmallandthereforerisk ofstrangulationis high.Mostoccur onthe rightside.
Mostdeveloparound age50(4th–7th decadeoflife).
Compared to other types of hernias they are rare.
 Patientstypicallypresentwitheitheranintermittent mass,localizedpain, orsignsof bowelobstruction. UltrasonographyoraCTscancanestablishthediagnosis, althoughCTscan providesthe greatestsensitivity and specicity.
Femoral Hernia
eytypicallypresentasagroinlump.eymayormay notbeassociatedwith pain.Often, theypresentwitha varyingdegreeofcomplicationrangingfromirreducibility throughintestinalobstruction tofrankgangreneof containedbowel. The incidenceof strangulationin femoralhernias ishigh.A femoralherniahas often beenfoundtobethecauseofunexplainedsmallbowel obstruction.  eobviousndingmaybealumpinthegroin.Cough impulseis oftenabsentand shouldnot be reliedon solelywhenmakingadiagnosisoffemoralhernia.e lumpismoreglobularthanthepearshapedlumpofthe inguinalhernia.ebulkofafemoralhernialiesbelow animaginary linedrawnbetween theanterosuperior iliacspine andthepubic tubercle(whichessentially representsthe inguinalligament)whereasaninguinal herniastarts abovethisline. Nonetheless, itis often impossibletodistinguishthetwopreoperatively.
Diagnosis
ediagnosisislargelyaclinicalone,generallydoneby physicalexaminationof thegroin. However,inobese patients,imagingin theformof ultrasonography,CT orMRI mayaid inthe diagnosis.An abdominalXray showingsmall bowelobstruction ina female patient withapainfulgroinlumpneedsnofurtherinvestigation.  Severalotherconditionshaveasimilarpresentation andmust beconsideredwhen formingthe diagnosis: inguinalhernia,an enlargedinguinallymph node, aneurysmofthefemoralartery,saphenavarix,andan
abcess of the psoas.
Prevascular femoral herniaisrare and manifestsas abulge.It maybe mistakenfor a femoralaneurysm. Externalfemoralhernias passbeneaththe inguinal ligamenttolielateraltothefemoralvesselsanddeepto theiliopubictract.eherniaofLaugiertraversesadefect inthelacunarligament.AherniaofCloquetresultsfrom anabnormalinsertionof the pectineusmuscle,which