VSR 421: Regional Veterinary Surgery (2+1)

INGUINAL HERNIA

Definition

• Protrusion of an abdominal organ through the inguinal canal is called inguinal hernia (Bubonocele). If the hernial contents extend into the scrotum in male animals the condition is called as scrotal hernia .
• Incidence: Bitches, horses, bulls and  pigs
• Anatomy

• Inguinal canal is an oblique (slit like) canal between the abdominal muscles connecting the external and internal inguinal rings.
• The canal acts as a passage for structure like spermatic cord in males and external pudic artery in females.
• Internal inguinal ring is longer than external.

Causes

• May be congenital or acquired – accidental slipping causes streching of the hind limbs outwards which may dilate inguinal canal.

Symptoms

• In bitches appreciable swelling is noticed in the inguinal region. Difficulty in defecation.
• In large animals swelling in the inguinal canal at the neck of scrotum .
• Unilaterally enlarged scrotum; affected bulls or stallions may be reluctant to serve
• Refuse to move due to pain
• Abduction of hind limbs
• Systemic signs are evident only when the hernia gets strangulated.

Hernial contents includes intestine ,urinary bladder , uterus in female  and omentum.

Diagnosis

• Clinical signs
• Radiography/ fluoroscopy. Hernial swelling close to or including the scrotum .
• Rectal palpation in large animals.

Treatment

• In small animals: A paramedian incision is made close to the inguinal swelling. The contents are reduced by gentle pressure. A kelotomy (extension of the hernial ring) may be performed if the hernial ring is small. The edges are debrided and closed using an absorbable suture material by overlapping pattern.
• In large animals: After making the incision the hernia is reduced and purse string suture is applied around the tunica vaginalis as far high as possible. A portion of the omentum that is difficult to reduce can be amputated. Overlapping suture of the muscles and routine closure of the skin is made.

Inguinal hernia