INGUINAL HERNIAS

DEFINITION

Hernia derives from the greek word hernios, which means “bud.” It indicates
a protrusion of organs through an abnormal defect in a natural cavity. The key
part of the definition is the actual opening and not a protrusion on the organ itself.
 ETIOLOGY

• Abdominal wall weakness occur at birth

• Muscles weaken or deteriorate due to aging, sternous physical activity or
coughing
 RISK FACTOR

• Patient risk factor

Risk factor for developing a primary inguinal hernia are male gender and old
age, a patent processus vaginalis, systemic connective tissue disorders, BMI.
• External risk factor
Smoking, high intraabdominal pressure (coughing, jumping, activity)
 EPIDEMIOLOGY

• 75% hernia happens at inguinalis regio (50% indirect, 25% direct)

• 20% male and 0.2% female acquire hernias during their lifetime.
• Highest incidence is during first year of life, with a second, lower peak
between 16 and 20.