Groin Hernias

Definitions:

Incarcerated Hernia: Non-reducible. The contents of the hernia cannot be returned to its normal location.

Strangulated Hernia: The hernia contents, usually intestine, become gangrenous. This complication may have a 12-13% mortality, and will require removal of a portion of intestine. Click Here to see an example of a strangulated hernia.

Incidence: Groin hernias are found in 5% of male population, and represents 86% of hernia cases. It occurs 5 times more often in males and females.

Right sided hernias are more frequent than left sided ones.