strangulated inguinal hernia
Last reviewed 11/2022
Strangulation of an inguinal hernia most commonly occurs at the external inguinal ring:
- constriction of the hernial neck, or twisting of the hernia, initially obstructs venous return
- oedema eventually obstructs arterial supply
- eventually the bowel necroses and perforates into the hernial sac
Inguinal hernial stragulation occurs most commonly in two age groups:
- most commonly in the elderly
- infants in the first 6 months of life, when up to 25% of inguinal herniae obstruct if untreated