Identification and Gross Anatomical Study of An Inguinal Hernia: Through A Cadaveric Case Study

Abstract

Introduction: Groin hernias are the most common reason for primary care physicians to refer patients for surgical management. Patients often present with a bulge in the groin that is associated with pain in two-thirds of cases. Diagnosis is typically clinical, with a physical examination and a thorough medical history often sufficient to confirm the diagnosis without the need for imaging. Groin hernias may be associated with morbidity and can become complicated by incarceration or strangulation, requiring emergent surgical repair. Methodology: A 73-year-old male cadaver was noticed with a left inguinal hernia (IH). Although IHs are a widespread pathology, the size and extent of this IH make it a unique one. The methodology to dissect the hernia in a cadaver is framed as per the Lichtenstein tension-free mesh repair procedure. The skin incision and method of approaching the hernial sac and its contents are only included in the cadaveric methodology of hernia dissection for its deeper understanding of gross anatomical features. Results: Upon gross dissection of the abdominal and pelvic cavities, the distal part of the descending colon was found to be herniated through the posterior wall of the inguinal canal, pushing the scrotum slightly to the right side. The pattern of herniation medial to the inferior epigastric artery through Hesselbach's triangle confirms the type of hernia as a direct one during methodical dissection. The extent of the herniation had enlarged the left inguinal region to over 4 cm in width and over 5 cm in depth. Conclusion: The need for dissecting inguinal hernia is purely and completely for the purpose of academic pursuit. The undergraduate and postgraduate students are the main beneficiaries. Theoretically and practically, the anatomy of inguinal hernia, regarding its position, pattern of herniation, hernial sac, its body, neck of hernial sac, and the content herniated, are studied practically during dissecting inguinal hernia.