Inguinal

Inguinal refers to the region of the body that lies at the lower portion of the anterior abdominal wall, with the thigh region as its lower border. It is most commonly known in relation to the Inguinal Canal, a passage in the anterior abdominal wall which in men conveys the spermatic cord and in women the round ligament.

Anatomy

The inguinal region is anatomically significant due to the presence of the Inguinal Canal. The canal is approximately 4 cm long and is directed inferomedially. It is superior and parallel to the medial half of the inguinal ligament. The canal commences at the deep inguinal ring and ends at the superficial inguinal ring.

Inguinal Hernia

An Inguinal Hernia is a type of hernia that occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the inguinal canal wall. This condition is a common problem, particularly in men, and can present with a range of symptoms from unnoticeable to severe pain and discomfort.

Types of Inguinal Hernia

There are two types of inguinal hernias: direct and indirect.

• Direct Inguinal Hernia: This type of hernia occurs when the abdominal contents protrude through a weak point in the fascia of the abdominal wall and is generally a result of aging and wear and tear during physical activity.

• Indirect Inguinal Hernia: This is the most common type of inguinal hernia and occurs when the abdominal contents protrude through the deep inguinal ring, lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels. This type of hernia is generally caused by a congenital defect in the abdominal wall.

Treatment

Treatment for an inguinal hernia usually involves surgery to repair the opening in the muscle wall. This can be done through open or laparoscopic surgery. In some cases, if the hernia is small and painless, doctors may just monitor it and take a "wait and see" approach.

See Also

• Abdomen
• Hernia
• Laparoscopic Surgery