Could inguinal hernia be treated medically?

Inguinal hernia is the most common congenital anomaly requiring surgical correction. The cause of the hernia is, most commonly, persistence of the processus vaginalis. Study of testicular descent in rodents has revealed a role for the genitofemoral nerve and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Since the testis cannot descend without the processus vaginalis, we wondered whether both descent and hernia closure might be regulated by the same mechanism. Therefore, we tested the idea that CGRP might be active in closure of the inguinal hernia. Using hernial sacs removed at herniotomy operation, fusion of the hernial surfaces was induced by CGRP, but not by CGRP 8-37, CGRP 27-37 or dihydrotestosterone. Hepatocyte growth factor also caused peritoneal obliteration in vitro. We propose that obliteration of the processus vaginalis is under the control of molecules released from the genitofemoral nerve, and that a chemical treatment of inguinal hernia is at least theoretically possible.

Inguinal Hernia: classification, diagnosis and treatment--classic, traumatic and Sportsman's hernia

Inguinal hernia repair is performed in more than 600,000 cases every year in the United States. However, the true prevalence may be even higher. Many groin hernias are not diagnosed, e.g., Sportmans' hernia, or are asymptomatic. The etiology of classic inguinal hernia, Sportsman's hernia or traumatic hernia may be different. The hernia repair is performed in agreement with a classification of the hernia, e.g., Nyhus classification. According to recent randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses open-mesh repair demonstrates several advantages in comparison to laparoscopic procedures. Laparoscopic procedures require more time and cost more, show a potential for serious complications and may be followed by an increased rate of recurrence. There may be a faster reconvalescence after laparoscopic procedures. However, there may be also a selection bias. Laparoscopic procedures are associated with specific complications, e.g., pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, gas extravasation, trocar injuries, intraabdominal adhesions, bowel obstruction, which are rarely or never seen in open-mesh repair. In the United States we could observe an uncoupling of hernia repair from classification. In more than 90% of cases the treatment was open-mesh. In many hernia studies the hernias were classified as direct or indirect, primary or recurrent. The existing classifications are based on anatomical findings in relation to the development of the hernia: posterior floor integrity, enlarged interior ring and size of the hernia. However, the size of the hernia may not always be associated with the severity of the hernia and it may be difficult to estimate. The outcome of hernia repair may be influenced by other factors. There may be differences in the presentation of the hernia to the surgeon based on the damage done to the surrounding tissue in the inguinal canal, e.g., external ring, aponeurosis of the external oblique, inguinal ligament, which is most often accompanied by severe adhesions. Further factors influencing outcome of hernia repair may be patient-related factors, e.g., constipation, ASA classification, diabetes, smoking. A classification should be simple to use and easy to remember: (A) indirect hernia, (B) direct hernia, (C) scrotal or giant hernia, (D) femoral hernia. A and B can be classified as (0) uncomplicated, (1) posterior floor defect, (2) posterior floor defect plus defect in the anterior part of the inguinal canal. All four types (A-D) may be either primary or recurrent. In this classification combined femoral, indirect and/or direct hernias can be categorized by using the types A, B, C, or D as in a modular construction system. The category "other" is reserved for rare types of hernia, e.g., obturator hernia, Spieghelian hernia. Aggravating factors are included: Diabetes, obesity, age above 65, constipation, ASA III or more and cigarette smoking. This classification may be helpful to evaluate outcome of hernia repair with regard to patient related factors and the increased demands for the surgeon and the staff. In some health care systems the general belief is that all hernias are equal and be managed equally. However, groin hernias may be complex and need individual treatment.

Lower Incidence of Inguinal Hernia: Minilaparotomy Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy Compared with Conventional Technique

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the present study was to compare the incidence of inguinal hernias after conventional and minilaparotomy (minilap) radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, we review our experience with 70 consecutive patients with prostate cancer who underwent prostatectomy from April 1995 through March 2001. Of these, 35 patients had conventional RRP, and 35 patients had minilap RRP.

RESULTS

Conventional RRP and minilap RRP groups were similar in body mass index (mean 24.4 and 23.5), operative time (mean 260 and 241 min), previous lower abdominal operation record (mean 37.1 and 25.7%), and post-prostatectomy anastomotic strictures (mean 11.4 and 14.3%). The volume of the estimated blood loss was significantly less for minilap RRP (mean 1,220 ml) than for conventional RRP (mean 1,666 ml; p = 0.0194). The incidence of postoperative inguinal hernias was 17.1% (6 of 35), 2.9% (1 of 35), and 3.2% (1 of 31) in conventional RRP, minilap RRP, and unoperated groups, respectively. The incidence of inguinal hernias after minilap RRP was significantly lower than after conventional RRP (p = 0.0464). Seven patients with postoperative inguinal hernias had a high incidence of postoperative strictures (42.9%), while 63 patients without hernia had a low incidence (9.5%). There was a significant difference in developing postoperative strictures between patients with hernia and those without (p = 0.0124). While postoperative stricture and operative technique were different in the hernia and hernia-free groups on univariate analysis, multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the operative technique was an independent factor for the occurrence of inguinal hernias (p = 0.0419).

CONCLUSION

Minilap RRP compares favorably with conventional RRP in view of the postoperative inguinal hernia development.

[Groin hernia in the patients receiving CAPD]

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a popular way of treatment of the patients with renal failure. There were 1365 patients on CAPD in Poland in the year 2001. Higher frequency of groin and abdominal hernias was reported in those patients. 10% of dialysed patients developed hernia in the first five years of the therapy. The main problems of hernia repair in the CAPD patients are: increased pressure in abdominal cavity caused by dialysate volume, higher risk of peritonitis, poor prognosis in the complicated cases temporarily or permanently converted to hemodialysis (HD) and the insufficiency of healing process. Complications accorded to hernia repair are the third most often reason of conversion to HD. Conducted studies on hernia repair did not lead to the introduction of the world standard. Authors propose to introduce an unified protocol to improve treatment results. Main guidelines of hernia treatment in CAPD patients are: 1) consultation of the surgeon cooperating with dialysis center in qualification to CAPD, and in the case of hernia symptoms in CAPD patients, 2) application of tension-free methods (PHS recommended), 3) administration of antibiotic prophylaxis, 4) application of local or epidural anesthesia, 5) no necessity of discontinuation of CAPD procedures.

The incidence of inguinal complications after ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus

AIM

This study outlines the incidence of acquired clinical inguinal manifestations (CIM) in infants undergoing ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt procedures, and the possible underlying mechanisms in the development of these pathologies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The charts of children who had undergone VP shunt procedures for hydrocephalus between 1992 and 2002 were reviewed. All patients were contacted by a telephone interview, and they were invited to be examined in the outpatient clinic of paediatric surgery for the development of groin manifestation.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients responded to the inquiry. Twenty-one (23.8%) patients developed a CIM. Three of them were premature infants. The mean interval between the shunt procedure and the diagnosis of CIM was 5.3 months (20 days to 48 months). Nineteen of the patients who developed a CIM were in the 0- to 12-month age group when the VP shunt procedures were initially performed. Ten CIM occurred on the right (47%), 7 on the left (33%) and 4 were bilateral (20%). The rate of bilateral patency as an operative finding was 76%. There was one recurrence (4.8%).

CONCLUSION

The younger the age at which the VP shunt was performed, the higher the incidence of CIM. Bilateral manifestations were higher than in the normal population. Increased intra-abdominal pressure by accumulation of fluid in combination with the high patency rate of processus vaginalis possibly plays a role in the development of CIM in VP shunt patients. Bilateral repair should be considered even when CIM is unilateral. Special care should be given to repair procedures since the recurrence rate is relatively high.

Ectopic placement of AMS 800 urinary control system pressure-regulating balloon

OBJECTIVES

The AMS 800 sphincter urinary control system (artificial urinary sphincter) is frequently placed in patients with scarred retroperitoneal spaces. Placement of the pressure-regulating balloon (PRB) requires a second abdominal incision in the traditional perineal surgical technique. In the new transverse scrotal incision method of sphincter placement, the transversalis fascia is pierced to place the PRB in the space of Retzius. We present a novel technique of ectopic PRB placement requiring neither a second incision nor piercing the fascia.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Nineteen patients underwent ectopic PRB placement during artificial urinary sphincter placement. Most patients (n = 17) were incontinent after radical prostatectomy, two were incontinent after transurethral resection of the prostate. Cuff placement was through a scrotal (n = 10) or perineal (n = 9) incision. In all patients, the incision was displaced toward either inguinal ring. A finger was passed through the ring forcibly cephalad and a space developed anterior to the transversalis fascia but beneath the abdominal muscles. The PRB was passed into this space.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study have shown that ectopic placement is easier and quicker. The PRB is usually not palpable. Two PRB hernias into the upper scrotum were noted after vigorous coughing. Two patients developed urethral atrophy under the cuff at 3 and 5.5 years. No erosions, infections, or mechanical failures were noted. Early outcomes with ectopic PRB placement seemed similar to that of traditional locations.

[Pathogenesis and treatment of inguinal hernias]

The experience in surgical treatment of 402 men with inguinal hernias according to the original method (aponeuroplasty of posterior wall of inguinal canal "without tension") is analyzed. Long-term results were evaluated in 374 patients. There were no recurrences of hernias. Problems of pathogenesis of inguinal hernias are discussed.

Laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair

Repair of parastomal represents a significant challenge for the hernia surgeon. Repair of these hernias is indicated because of an ill-fitting appliance, cosmetic deformity, inability to maintain proper hygiene and complications from the hernia itself such as incarceration or strangulation. Recent reports in the literature have shown that primary fascial repair can occur in 46% of patients and relocation of the stoma is associated with a 40% recurrence rate. For this reason, the use of polypropylene mesh has been applied to this repair. The recurrence rate with this open technique will still incur a failure rate of 20-29%. Additionally there are other complications such as obstruction, fistulization or mesh erosion with this biomaterial. The laparoscopic approach to this hernia may offer a new choice for this difficult problem. We have used ePTFE to repair 12 parastomal hernias with three different approaches. There have been eight colostomy, two ileostomy and two urostomy hernias. Follow-up ranges from 3-39 months (average 20 months). There has been one recurrence that required two repairs (8%). Other complications included enterotomy (one patient), ileus (one), seroma (one), and death from postoperative aspiration (one). The laparoscopic repair of parastomal hernias appears to be a promising technique for this complex dilemma.

Routine castration in 568 draught colts: incidence of evisceration and omental herniation

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Castration is one of the most common routine surgical procedures performed in the horse, from which a number of potential complications can arise. We undertook a prospective evaluation of short-term complications associated with castration of draught colts over a 3-year period (1998-2000).

OBJECTIVES

To compare castration complications in a large number of draught foals with previously published literature.

METHODS

Five hundred and sixty-eight draught colts, age 4 or 5 months, were castrated in field conditions. Foals were observed for complications for 24 h post operatively.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in complication rates between open and closed surgical techniques. Inguinal/scrotal hernia rate was 4.6% (26/568) prior to surgery, and evisceration of the small intestine occurred in 4.8% (27/568). Foals observed to eviscerate underwent immediate surgical correction with an overall survival rate of 72.2% (13/18). Omental herniation was seen in 2.8% (16/568) of colts.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed no difference between the closed and open techniques of castration and the rate of omental herniation or evisceration. The evisceration rate in combination with the omental and presurgical herniation rates approached 12.2%, which is high enough to warrant further examination.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

Future investigation should help to assess predisposing factors for evisceration. Regardless of the technique employed, herniation appears to pose a significant risk to draught foals undergoing castration.

Ruptured ectopic pregnancy presenting as an irreducible inguinal hernia

An inguinal hernia that suddenly becomes irreducible may be secondary to a variety of other underlying conditions which can occasionally mislead the attending surgeon. Benign, inflammatory or neoplastic processes, as well as surgical emergencies such as intraperitoneal or retroperitoneal haemorrhage, have all been previously reported to mimic an inguinal hernia that suddenly becomes irreducible with or without clinical features of strangulation. We add an additional interesting presentation to this list in the form of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which is the first such case reported in the literature. A swelling in the groin may be much more complicated than it seems on superficial consideration and good clinical acumen is constantly required in managing such cases if a satisfactory outcome without any morbidity is to be expected.

[Surprise in the hernia sac: the intrasaccular tumor of the sigma]

In this report we define the terms of saccular, extra-saccular and intrasaccular tumor and present a rare case of intrasaccular tumor of the colon; it is remarked a careful clinical examination of patients with inguinal hernias to find a colon tumor; diagnosis in emergency is intra-operative. Two therapeutics options are possible: the simultaneous treatment or the delayed resolution.

Paratesticular well-differentiated, adipocytic type liposarcoma presenting as inguinal hernia

Paratesticular masses can pose difficult diagnostic and therapeutic problems to the physician. We report a rare case of paratesticular liposarcoma with the clinical symptomatology of an inguinal hernia. The treatment was surgical and included radical orchiectomy and wide excision of the tumor mass to the macroscopically healthy margins. The patient is well and with no evidence of recurrence 1 year after the operation. We review the literature, and discuss the role of radical orchiectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy in the treatment of paratesticular liposarcomas.

Inguinal bladder hernia masking bowel ischemia

Displacement of the bladder outside of the pelvis by way of the inguinal canal represents an infrequent presentation of an inguinal hernia that rarely causes urinary tract obstruction. However, bladder hernias can become bothersome, painful, and potentially dangerous. We report a 56-year-old man with a chronic bladder hernia who became acutely unable to empty his bladder from its position in the right hemiscrotum after a motor vehicle accident. At hernia repair, bladder and ischemic bowel were discovered, mandating significant small bowel resection. This case presents interesting considerations and potential pitfalls when evaluating a patient with a bladder hernia.

Laparoscopic repair of groin pain in athletes

BACKGROUND

There has been increasing interest regarding the cause and treatment of groin pain in athletes. The most common finding is a deficiency of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal, often repaired with bilateral inguinal myorrhaphy.

HYPOTHESIS

Laparoscopic repair will offer a shorter convalescent period and better results as compared with open myorrhaphy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

METHODS

Between October 1993 and October 2002, 131 athletes with groin pain unrelieved after 2 to 8 months of conservative management underwent bilateral laparoscopic repair with the transabdominal preperitoneal technique for hernias. In 123 (94%) patients, physical examination revealed a dilated external ring, unilateral or bilateral, of the inguinal canal, and in 8 patients (6%) it was normal.

RESULTS

During laparoscopy, a deficiency of the posterior inguinal wall was seen in all athletes. All patients left the hospital 24 hours after the procedure, discontinued oral analgesics within 72 hours of surgery, and were back to full sporting activities within 2 to 3 weeks. Four patients (3%) complained of thigh pain. After a mean follow-up of 5 years (range, 4 months to 10 years), there was 1 recurrence (0.76%).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic repair is an efficient method for the treatment of groin pain originating from a deficiency of the posterior inguinal wall, having fast recovery and excellent long-term results.

The unified theory of hernia formation

The perusal of surgical journals suggests that the etiology and the treatment of hernias are still based on the understanding of a simple mechanical defect, an idiopathic happenstance requiring a reliable hernia repair, preferably with a prosthetic mesh or device. The need for additional elucidation does not constitute an aim that is pervasive in the surgical community or with the corporate manufacturers of surgical implements. This may well be because surgeons are not trained scientists and laboratory workers. Fortunately, several disciplines are injecting a healthy dose of curiosity matched by ingenuity. Among these contributors, we can count anatomists, electron microscopists, biochemists, organic chemists, pathologists, geneticists, and molecular biologists, who have looked at collagen, enzymes, tobacco smoke, congenital diseases, and chromosomal defects. Every aspect of the researchers' work has identified and converged onto a final common organ: collagen. It is the pathological changes in collagen that set the stage for the development of a hernia. The multiple theories on mechanisms of hernia formation have, at last, melded into one single Unified Theory of hernia formation.

Umbilical and bilateral inguinal hernias in a veteran powerlifter: is it a pressure-overload syndrome?

Umbilical, inguinal and hiatal hernias are all thought to occur from basically the same etiology, a malformation in the tissue leading to herniation. The mechanisms for these malformations range from congenital to degenerative. Earlier studies proposed that hiatal hernias result from age-related degenerative changes in the phrenoesophageal ligament leading to subsequent herniation. We found that hiatal hernias occur in young power athletes secondary to intra-abdominal pressure overload of the phrenoesophageal ligament. We present a case of umbilical and bilateral inguinal hernias occurring in a veteran powerlifter. The pathogenesis of multiple hernias and the physiological pressure systems involved in the development of multiple hernias in a power athlete are discussed.

[Surgical treatment of primary acquired inguinal hernia with the use of polypropylene prosthesis]

In the "Villa dei Fiori" Nursing Home of Mugnano di Napol, from 1 November 1997 to 31 October 2000, 384 patients were operated on for primary acquired inguinal hernia. They underwent hernioplasty using a polypropylene prosthesis, accounting for 14.1% of all general surgery operations performed. The patients operated on were 345 males and 39 females, with an average age of 53.4 years (range: 16-91 years). All patients were routinely subjected to ultra-short-term prophylaxis with antibiotics for surgical infections. In 211 cases, the operations were performed under local anaesthesia (in 5 of these, owing to poor tolerance of surgical manipulation associated with a state of agitation, the patients also received intraoperative pharmacological sedation in 3 cases, while a neuroleptoanalgesia technique was performed in the other 2); 93 cases were performed under general anaesthesia and 80 cases under subarachnoid anaesthesia. In 21 cases, the inguinal hernioplasty was associated with other operations, most commonly with crural hernioplasty for the treatment of a crural hernia on the same side as the inguinal hernioplasty. We had no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications occurred in 15 cases (3.9%), 11 of which caused by surgical problems and 4 linked to the anaesthesia technique. Long-term follow-up after surgery, though fairly short on average, was carried out in 265 patients (69% of those operated on), and to date only one relapse has been observed.

Inguinal hernia after radical retropubic prostatectomy--experience of Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital

BACKGROUND

Radical retropubic prostatectomy is a potentially curative treatment for localized prostate cancer. This study aimed to examine the incidence of developing inguinal hernia after radical retropubic prostatectomy and its possible factors.

METHODS

From November 1990 to April 2002, there were 222 patients in Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection for localized prostate cancer. Another 200 patients with prostate cancer who did not receive surgical intervention were enrolled as the control group. The medical charts were reviewed with an emphasis on the possible mechanisms causing inguinal hernia.

RESULTS

The period of follow-up ranged from 2 to 137 months, with a median of 54 months. There were a total of 15 (6.7%) patients who developed inguinal hernia after radical retropubic prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection in our hospital. Post-prostatectomy anastomotic stricture was noted in 7 (46%) patients. Ten patients (67%) developed indirect type inguinal hernia. Only 4 (2%) inguinal hernias were found in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of inguinal hernia among patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection was higher than that among patients without operation. Post-operative anastomotic stricture was the most important predisposing factor in the current study.

Relationship between hiatal hernia and inguinal hernia

Several theories explain the development of hiatal hernia (HH). Since inguinal hernia (IH) is due to abdominal wall herniation, we hypothesized that if HH is caused by an excessive "push" from increased intraabdominal pressure, there would be a greater than chance association between HH and IH. The aim of this prospective case-control study was to determine the relationship between HH, identified at endoscopy, and IH, found on clinical examination. Outpatients, who were referred for elective upper GI endoscopy at the Endoscopic Unit, from January 1999 to December 1999, were evaluated. Data were collected regarding gender, age, BMI, presence or absence of HH, length of HH, and presence of IH on detailed abdominal examination of each subject. Five hundred fifty-nine outpatients were enrolled in this study. Of these, 128 (23%) had HH, whereas 431 (77%) patients did not. The average length of the HH was 2.7 +/- 0.9 cm (range, 1.5-6 cm). The overall risk of IH in patients with HH is 2.5-fold compared to those without HH (OR = 2.59). Obesity (BM, >25) was an additional risk factor for IH in patients with HH compared with normal weight (BMI, 21-25) (P < 0.05). Males with HH were more likely to have IH than females (OR = 2.86; 95% CI = 1.35-6.08). Inguinal and hiatal hernias occur together more often than expected by chance alone. Male gender and obesity increase the risk of association. These results suggest that a common etiology may exist for both IH and HH, at least in some patients, and support the hypothesis that "push" factors may contribute to the etiology of HH.

Clinical observation between chronic sustained cough with asthma and childhood inguinal hernia

Inguinal hernias are common and cause problems for the health services. Several factors are thought to influence their development. Patients under 16 years old who had received hernioplasty at National Taiwan University Hospital were enrolled in a study to analyze the correlation between preceding recurrent cough with asthma and later hernia development. Patients aged 5 and 6 years old (when admitted for hernioplasty in 2000) were particularly focused. This entailed further analysis of their birth history, family atopic history, specific allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, asthma), hernia type (direct or indirect), the onset of chronic cough and asthma. One hundred and sixty three patients (2.66%) from a total hernioplasty population of 6130 were found to have had preceding asthma with recurrent cough before having the hernioplasty intervention. One hundred twenty-five patients were aged 5 to 6 years old, among whom 8 (6.4%) patients were found to have asthma, and 20 (16%) patients were noted to have recurrent sustained cough. All the hernia types were indirect and were received with high suture ligation. In conclusion, the incidence of asthma was not significantly higher in the group of individuals receiving hernioplasty. However, a higher incidence of recurrent sustained cough was noted, which could be a relatively important factor for the hernia development. Further reliable cough measurements would be needed to evaluate the severity of recurrent sustained cough as the potential risk for the hernia development.

Inguinal herniation in two patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

We report two cases of subacute inguinal swelling in uremic patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Computed tomography, scintigraphy demonstrated a mass in the right groin. Surgical repair of an inguinal hernia resulted in complete resolution of the inguinal swelling. Both patients could restart continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, without complication.

Female mice carrying a ubiquitin promoter-Insl3 transgene have descended ovaries and inguinal hernias but normal fertility

Mouse knockout studies have indicated that Insl3 is involved in development of the gubernaculum in males, which is essential for normal testicular descent. To determine further the functions of Insl3 we have generated transgenic (TG) mice ubiquitously expressing Insl3. In these mice low levels of transgenic Insl3 mRNA are expressed in all tissues analyzed. In the TG females the ovaries descend to the base of the abdominal cavity during the fetal period, as a consequence of the formation of male-like gubernaculum structures. Furthermore, the gubernacular structures developed express androgen receptor, identically to the corresponding structures in males. At adult age the ligaments formed connect the uterine horns to the inguinal region of the abdomen. Ligaments are also formed between the lower and upper parts of the uterine horns, and these ligaments force the uterus to form a coiled structure. However, the TG females retain their reproductive functions, indicating that neither the location of the ovaries nor the macroscopic structure of the uterus is vital for reproduction. In addition, Insl3 expression causes inguinal hernia in females, suggesting that a combination of estrogen and Insl3 action disrupts proper development of the muscular and connective tissue structures of the abdomen. The lack of a phenotype in other tissues indicates that gubernaculum formation is the most sensitive biological response as regards Insl3.

Strangulated hernias secondary to generalized peritonitis: an old lesson relearnt

A78-year-old woman presented to the accident and emergency department having collapsed at home. She was fully conscious and had no neurological deficit. Abdominal examination revealed a soft upper abdomen, suprapubic tenderness on deep palpation and a 4×5 cm hard, tender, irreducible swelling at the left mid-inguinal point. Investigations revealed a raised white cell count of 19.5×109/litre and a markedly elevated C-reactive protein of 437 mg/ml. A plain abdominal film (Figure 1) showed several gas-filled loops of small bowel in the lower abdomen and faecal loading of the colon. Suspecting a strangulated hernia, she was taken to theatre for exploration of the left inguinal mass. An irreducible left femoral hernia was found, the hernial sac containing necrotic omentum with pus draining from within the peritoneal cavity. A midline laparotomy was performed, finding generalized peritonitis secondary to perforated appendicitis with approximately 300 ml of pus in the pelvis. An appendicectomy and thorough peritoneal lavage was performed. The hernia was repaired through the abdominal incision and the groin wound closed. Initially she recovered well, but then developed a metabolic acidosis with no obvious cause, a epeat laparotomy proving negative. Unfortunately she had a large perioperative stroke and died a few days later.

[Inguinal hernia recurrence after prosthetic repair: our experience]

Inguinal hernia recurrence after prosthetic repair is a very rare clinical condition (1%), but it is probably underestimated and hard to resolve surgically. The authors reports their experience with 16 recurrent post-prosthetic inguinal hernias. A greater incidence of recurrence was noted in obese patients with concomitant chronic diseases (56%). Hernia recurrences following prosthetic repair are often asymptomatic. The use of Lichtenstein's plug technique yielded satisfactory results in terms of rehabilitation and incidence of recurrence and is also associated with a very low risk of complications.

The etiology of indirect inguinal hernias: congenital and/or acquired?

The development of indirect inguinal hernias in infants is caused by a patent processus vaginalis (PPV). Consequently, this type of hernia is cured by simple herniotomy. In adults, however, herniotomy alone is accompanied by a high recurrence rate. This indicates that additional factors play a part in the development of indirect inguinal hernias in adults. The aim of this study was to determine the etiology of the development of an indirect hernia in adult life. Also, the prevalence of a PPV without clinical evidence of a hernia was determined and related to age. From November 1998 until February 2002, 599 patients from four different teaching hospitals, who underwent abdominal laparoscopy for various pathologies, were included. During laparoscopy, the deep inguinal ring was bilaterally inspected. Patients undergoing laparoscopy for inguinal hernia repair were excluded. Mean age was 45 years (range 8-89 years). Thirty-two percent (189/599) were male. Twelve percent (71/599) had PPV, all without clinical symptoms. Fifty-five percent (39/71) with PPV were male (P<0.0001). Fifty-nine percent (42/71) with PPV were right-sided, 29% (21/71) with PPV were left sided, and 12% (8/71) were bilateral (P=0.01). The prevalence of PPV in patients under 20 years was 22%. Of those between 20 and 30 years of age, 6% had PPV. Of those between 30 and 50 years, 24 patients (11%) had PPV. Of patients over 50 years, 33 (14%) had PPV. No significant differences between ages were observed. It is concluded that asymptomatic patent processus vaginalis frequently exists in adult life. The prevalence of PPV does not increase significantly with age. Assuming that indirect hernias start with asymptomatic peritoneal protrusion that can be observed laparoscopically, the incidence of PPV, like the incidence of adult indirect hernias, should increase in case of acquired etiology. Such an increase of incidence with age was not confirmed by our results. It is concluded that the etiology of indirect inguinal hernia in adults, as in infants, is congenital.

[Complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunting: inguinal hernia with scrotal migration of catheter. Case report]

Ventriculoperitoneal shunting is the treatment of choice for hydrocephalus in its different etiologies. Mechanical failure and infections are common complications of shunting. The development of inguinal hernia or hydrocele after shunting is an uncommon condition and the migration of abdominal catheter into the scrotum rare. The patency of processus vaginalis, the raised intra-abdominal pressure and the age of patients are factors related with the genesis of these pathologies. This paper reports a case of a child who developed an inguinal hernia after ventriculoperitoneal shunting and scrotal migration of shunt. The literature is reviewed and treatment is discussed.

Bassini's hernial repair and adductor longus tenotomy in the treatment of chronic groin pain in athletes

A prospective study was initiated to evaluate the surgical treatment of chronic groin pain resistant to conservative treatment. Forty-one patients were treated using Bassini's hernial repair and percutaneous adductor longus tenotomy between 1984 and 1998. All patients were males aged 17 to 34 years and were mainly soccer players. Twenty-seven patients underwent a unilateral and 14 a bilateral procedure. All patients had resumed their sporting activities on average 6.9 months after surgery (range 6 to 15 months). Thirty-seven performed at the same level and 4 at a reduced level. Only one patient performed at a lower level due to persistent groin pain. We conclude that, when conservative treatment for pubic pain in athletes fails, a combination of hernial surgery and adductor longus tenotomy can provide successful results.

Gallstone in a hernia sac

Perforation of the gallbladder with spillage of stones into the abdominal cavity is relatively common during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We report a patient presenting with a symptomatic groin hernia 10 days after laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. The hernia sac was found to contain a gallstone. The patient underwent an uneventful hernia repair. Various complications due to retained gallstones have been described as case reports emphasizing how important it is to prevent perforation of the gallbladder or else make an effort to retrieve spilled stones from the abdomen.

Joint mobility in adult patients with groin hernias

The basic mechanisms of hernia formation remain mostly unknown, but several studies suggest that a connective-tissue pathology, affecting mainly the collagen metabolism, could play a role in the genesis of groin hernias. It would be interesting to know if this pathology can express some clinical signs other than the hernia. Our study focused on the joint mobility and the diagnostic criteria for benign joint hypermobility syndrome. Sixty male adult patients with inguinal hernias and 62 control subjects without hernias, age-matched, were compared, taking into account anamnestic criteria (family history of groin hernia, joint sprain, joint dislocation, skin striae, major arthralgia) and joint mobility. This was assessed by using Beighton criteria and measuring the range of movement of five joints (extension of the fifth finger, thumb, wrist, elbow, and knee). The frequency of the positive anamnestic criteria was not statistically different between the two groups. Nevertheless, a family history of groin hernia was observed in 25% of the hernia patients, against 16% in the control subjects ( P=0.23). The mean Beighton score was 0.30 in the hernia patients and 0.29 in the control population. The movement range of the five examined joints was similar in the two groups. In conclusion, patients with a groin hernia presented neither joint hypermobility nor clinical evidence of a benign joint hypermobility syndrome. Although abnormal collagen metabolism is likely implicated in hernia formation, this pathology does not seem to have clinical repercussion on joint mobility.

[Abdominal complications in peritoneal dialysis]

We conducted a 4-year retrospective study (1996-1999) in order to assess the abdominal events in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), as well as the technique failure and the death incidence. We enrolled 127 patients in two french dialysis centers, who presented 9 enteric bacterial peritonitis (13.2% of the total peritonitis episodes), occurring 7.6 +/- 7.9 months after PD treatment. Surgery (8 patients) and definitive technique failure (7 patients) were necessary. Hernias were the most frequent with 32.6% of the total abdominal complications. They were either umbilical (7 patients), or inguinal (5 patients) or hiatal (3 patients). Six patients continued on PD without disruption whereas 6 patients had a transient stop and thereafter returned to PD. The other abdominal complications such as gastric and duodenal ulcus (5 patients), oesophagogastric reflux (5 patients), liver diseases (9 patients) occurred during PD treatment without any relationship with the treatment modality. In the diabetic population, abdominal complications were not more frequent but they took place more quickly than in the non diabetic population (5.5 +/- 3.8 months versus 12.9 +/- 16.3 months with p < 0.01). A rapid diagnosis, especially in case of enteric peritonitis, is mandatory to avoid "abdominal catastrophes" mainly due to visceral injury. The incidence of hernia could be decreased if a good clinical approach is effective before PD treatment.