Ultrasound imaging of groin hernias

Abstract

Abdominal wall hernias occur where structures that are normally located within the peritoneal cavity protrude through a defect in the abdominal wall muscles. The worldwide lifetime incidence of abdominal wall hernias is approximately 5%, with 80% of hernias occurring in the inguinal canal and 5% in the femoral canal. The remaining 15% include incisional, spigelian, umbilical, epigastric and other hernia types.1 Groin hernias are classified into two groups: those originating along the inguinal canal and those originating outside the inguinal canal. The former group include direct and indirect inguinal hernias and the latter, femoral and spigelian hernias. [excerpt]