Inguinal hernia

Anatomy: The various muscles of the abdominal wall are penetrated by the inguinal canal, which contains nerves (N ilioinguinalis and the genital branch of N genitofemoralis) and in men the spermatic cord (funilicus spermaticus). In women the inguinal canal instead contains a small fibrous ligament. Where the inguinal canal penetrates the abdominal wall weak spots arise (anulus inguinalis superficialis and anulus inguinalis profundus).

Symptoms: Pain in the groin, aggravated when coughing. Sometimes a swelling in the groin is visible. Usually the swelling (containing intestine) can be pushed into place. If the swelling is painful and cannot be pressed into place the hernia may be strangulated (which requires acute medical assistance).

Examination: In obvious cases with visible swelling in the groin the diagnosis is easy to make. With lack of swelling in the groin the diagnosis is naturally difficult. (article 1) A normal medical examination is usually sufficient in order to make the diagnosis, however, if there is any doubt concerning the diagnosis a MRI-scan or a dynamic ultrasound scan, where weaknesses in the abdominal wall can be detected while increasing the pressure in the abdominal cavity by applying pressure can be performed (article 2) (article 3).

Treatment: With modest discomfort, you can primarily attempt training of the abdominal muscles (article). If discomfort continues, surgery is advised. If strangulated hernia is suspected you should seek acute medical assistance to evaluate the indication for acute surgery, as there is a risk of lasting damage to the intestine. With uncomplicated surgery, a relief period of approx. two months should be expected before maximal sports activity can be resumed (very dependent on the sport in question).

Complications: If progress is not smooth (even after operation) it should be considered whether the diagnosis is correct or whether complication have arisen. In particular the following should be considered:

• Inflammation of the adductor muscle of the thigh
• Rupture of the adductor muscle of the thigh
• Inflammation of the pubic joint (osteitis pubis)
• Bursitis on the front of the hip joint (bursitis iliopectinea)
• Other bursitis
• Fluid accumulation in the hip joint
• Degenerative arthritis in the hip joint
• Rupture of the superficial hip flexor (ruptura musculus rectus femoris)
• Rupture of the deep hip flexor (ruptura musculus iliopsoas)
• Outer snapping hip
• Inner snapping hip
• Stress fracture in the femoral neck
• Nerve entrapment
• Lumbago
• Piriformis syndrome