Types

epigastric, inguinal, umbilical, incisional, internal

S/S (Red Flag)

• Reducible: no bowel
• Incarceration: bowel trapped
  • Typically presents with worsening pain, obstructive symptoms (nausea, vomiting, lack of flatus or bowel movements), and it can progress to strangulation of the bowel.
  • Larger = lesser risk of incarceration
  • Smaller fascial defects, such as laparoscopic port sites, tend to have a higher risk of incarceration.
• Strangulated: blood supply compromised

Investigation

Inguinal Hernia Exam

Abdominal CT

• Open loop: bowel is obstructed at only one point
• Closed loop: bowel is obstructed at two separate points → Need Surgery

Treatment

• If reducible: physical maneuver
• If incarcerated: surgery next day (closed loop)
• If strangulated & Bowel ischemia : urgent surgery