Skip to main content

Complications of Hernia in General

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Management of Abdominal Hernias

Abstract

Except for episodes of acute obstruction and strangulation, complications per se of having a hernia are rare. As a consequence, the description of general complications is based on single cases or case series, often from publications otherwise considered historical. While the age of the publications by itself may not be a problem, the applicability to the present patient population and current medical knowledge and technology may in some instances be questionable. Presently, only a few well-designed trials and population-based studies exist, on which to describe current complications of hernia in general.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 189.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Magnus R. Late bowel obstruction due to kinking of the damaged loop following reduction of a strangulated hernia. Br J Surg. 1965;52:121–2.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Moore CA. Hypertrophic fibrosis of the gut causing chronic obstruction: a sequel to a strangulated hernia. Br J Surg. 1913;1:361–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Davey WW. Companion to surgery in the tropics. Edinburgh: Livingstone; 1968.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Badoe EA. Acute intestinal obstruction in Korie Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra: 1965–1969. Ghana Med J. 1970;9:283–7.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Krug F, Herold A, Wenk H, Bruch HP. Incisional hernias after laparoscopic interventions. Chirurg. 1995;66:419–23.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Tonouchi H, Ohmori Y, Kobayashi M, Kusunoki M. Trocar site hernia. Arch Surg. 2004;139:1248–56.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Vowles KDJ. Intestinal complications of strangulated hernia. Br J Surg. 1959;47:189–92.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Quill DS, Devlin HB, Plant JA, Denham KR, McNay RA, Morris D. Surgical operation rates: a twelve year experience in Stockton on Tees. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 1983;65:248–53.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Andrews NJ. Presentation and outcome of strangulated external hernia in a district general hospital. Br J Surg. 1981;68:329–32.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Campling EA, Devlin HB, Hoyle RW, Lunn JN. The report of a national confidential enquiry into perioperative deaths 1991/1992. London: NCEPOD; 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Kjaergaard J, Bay-Nielsen M, Kehlet H. Mortality following emergency groin hernia surgery in Denmark. Hernia. 2010;14:351–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Dahlstrand U, Wollert S, Nordin P, Sandblom G, Gunnarsson U. Emergency femoral hernia repair: a study based on a national register. Ann Surg. 2009;249:672–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Gallegos NC, Dawson J, Jarvis M, Hobsley M. Risk of strangulation in groin hernias. Br J Surg. 1991;78:1171–3.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Milamed DR, Hedley-Whyte J. Contributions of the surgical sciences to a reduction of the mortality rate in the United States for the period 1968 to 1988. Ann Surg. 1994;219:94–102.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Williams M, Frankel S, Nanchalal K, Coast J, Donovan J. Hernia repair: epidemiologically based needs assessment. Health care evaluation unit. Briston: University of Bristol Print Services; 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Rutkow IM, Robbins AW. Demographic, classificatory, and socioeconomic aspects of hernia repair in the United States. Surg Clin North Am. 1993;73:413–26.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Fitzgibbons Jr RJ, Giobbie-Hurder A, Gibbs JO, Dunlop DD, Reda DJ, McCarthy Jr M, et al. Watchful waiting vs repair of inguinal hernia in minimally symptomatic men: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2006;295:285–92.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Chung L, Norrie J, O’Dwyer PJ. Long-term follow-up of patients with a painless inguinal hernia from a randomized clinical trial. Br J Surg. 2011;98:596–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Neuhauser D. Elective inguinal herniorrhaphy versus truss in the elderly. In: Bunker JP, Barnes BA, Mosteller F, editors. Costs, risks and benefits of surgery. New York: Oxford University Press; 1977. p. 223–9.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Simons MP, Aufenacker T, Bay-Nielsen M, Bouillot JL, Campanelli G, Conze J, et al. European Hernia Society guidelines on the treatment of inguinal hernia in adult patients. Hernia. 2009;13:343–403.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Helgstrand F, Rosenberg J, Bay-Nielsen M, Friis-Andersen H, Wara P, Jorgensen LN, et al. Establishment and initial experiences from the Danish Ventral Hernia Database. Hernia. 2010;14:131–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Lauscher JC, Rieck S, Loh JC, Grone J, Buhr HJ, Ritz JP. Oligosymptomatic vs. symptomatic incisional hernias-who benefits from open repair? Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2011;396(2):179–85.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Yokoyama T, Munakata Y, Ogiwara M, Kamijima T, Kitamura H, Kawasaki S. Preoperative diagnosis of strangulated obturator hernia using ultrasonography. Am J Surg. 1997;174:76–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Gilliam A, Wai D, Perry EP. Ultrasonic diagnosis of strangulated obturator hernia. Eur J Surg. 2000;166:420–1.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Green BT. Strangulated obturator hernia: still deadly. South Med J. 2001;94:81–3.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Rodriguez-Hermosa JI, Codina-Cazador A, Maroto-Genover A, Puig-Alcantara J, Sirvent-Calvera JM, Garsot-Savall E, et al. Obturator hernia: clinical analysis of 16 cases and algorithm for its diagnosis and treatment. Hernia. 2008;12:289–97.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Toms AP, Dixon AK, Murphy JM, Jamieson NV. Illustrated review of new imaging techniques in the diagnosis of abdominal wall hernias. Br J Surg. 1999;86:1243–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Pearse HE. Strangulated hernia reduced en masse. Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1931;53:822–8.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Levack JH. En masse reduction of strangulated hernia. Br J Surg. 1963;50:582–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Barker AK, Smiddy FG. Mass reduction of inguinal hernia. Br J Surg. 1970;57:264–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Moynihan BGA. Retroperitoneal hernia. London: Bailliere; 1899.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Maydl C. Über retrograde Incarceration der Tuba ond des Processus Vermiformis in Leisten und Schenkelhernien. Wien Klin Rund. 1895;8:17–35.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Ganesaratnam M. Maydl’s hernia: report of a series of seven cases and review of the literature. Br J Surg. 1985;72:737–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Moss CM, Levine R, Messenger N, Dardik I. Sliding colonic Maydl’s hernia: report of a case. Dis Colon Rectum. 1976;19:636–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Frankau C. Strangulated hernia: a review of 1,487 cases. Br J Surg. 1931;19:176–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Bayley AC. The clinical and operative diagnosis of Maydl’s hernia: a report of five cases. Br J Surg. 1970;5:687–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Philip PJ. Afferent limb internal strangulation in obstructed inguinal hernia. Br J Surg. 1967;54:96–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Watson LF. Hernia: anatomy, etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, prognosis and the operative and injection treatment. 2nd ed. London: Harry Kimpton; 1938.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Bender E, Sell H. Small bowel obstruction after laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a result of a Maydl’s herniation of the small bowel through a trocar site. Surgery. 1996;119:480.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Cronin K, Ellis H. Pus collections in hernial sacs; an unusual complication of general peritonitis. Br J Surg. 1959;46:364–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Steinke W, Zellweger R. Richter’s hernia and Sir Frederick Treves: an original clinical experience, review, and historical overview. Ann Surg. 2000;232:710–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Engeset J, Youngson GG. Ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and hernial complications. Surg Clin North Am. 1984;64:385–92.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Andrew DR, Williamson KM. Meckel’s diverticulum-rare complications and review of the literature. J R Army Med Corps. 1994;140:143–5.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Baillie RC. Incarceration of a Meckel’s inguinal hernia in an infant. Br J Surg. 1959;46:459–61.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Castleden WM. Meckel’s diverticulum of an umbilical hernia. Br J Surg. 1970;57:932–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Leslie MD, Slater ND, Smallwood CJ. Small bowel fistula from a Littre’s hernia. Br J Surg. 1983;70:244.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Van Meurs DPP. Strangulation of the ovary and fallopian tube in an obturator hernia. Br J Surg. 1945;32:539–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Binns JH, Cross RM. Hernia uteri inguinalis in a male. Br J Surg. 1967;54:571–5.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Carrieri P, Nardi S, Basuku GC, Vitali A, Nistri R. The involvement of the urinary tract in inguinal hernias. Ann Ital Chir. 1998;69:795–7.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Garcia AA, Perales NJ, Schiefenbusch ME, Marquez JL, Polo HE, Cacha LG. Inguinal bladder hernias: a report of two cases. Actas Urol Esp. 1999;23:625–8.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Giglio M, Medica M, Germinale F, Raggio M, Campodonice F, Stubinski R, et al. Scrotal extraperitoneal hernia of the ureter: case report and literature review. Urol Int. 2001;66:166–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Percival WL. Ureter within a sliding inguinal hernia. Can J Surg. 1983;26:283, 286.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Pollack HM, Popky GL, Blumberg ML. Hernias of the ureter—an anatomic-roentgenographic study. Radiology. 1975;117:275–81.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Ramayya GR. Volvulus of an ileal conduit in an inguinal hernia. Br J Surg. 1984;71:637.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Mabogunje OA, Grundy DJ, Lawrie JH. Orchidectomy in a rural African population. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 1980;74:749–51.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. von Helwig H. Uber sogennante Spontonrupturen von Hernien. Schweiz Med Wochenschr. 1958;27:662–6.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Maniatis AG, Hunt CM. Therapy for spontaneous umbilical hernia rupture. Am J Gastroenterol. 1995;90:310–2.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. McLean A. Spontaneous rupture of an umbilical hernia in an infant. Br J Surg. 1950;37:239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Strange SL. Spontaneous rupture of an umbilical hernia in an infant. Postgrad Med J. 1956;32:39.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Bain IM, Bishop HM. Spontaneous rupture of an infantile umbilical hernia. Br J Surg. 1995;82:35.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Hartley RC. Spontaneous rupture of incisional herniae. Br J Surg. 1962;49:617–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Chatterjee SK. Spontaneous rupture of umbilical hernia with evisceration of small intestine. J Indian Med Assoc. 1972;59:287.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Telem DA, Schiano T, Divino CM. Complicated hernia presentation in patients with advanced cirrhosis and refractory ascites: management and outcome. Surgery. 2010;148:538–43.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Ogundiran TO, Ayantunde AA, Akute OO. Spontaneous rupture of incisional hernia—a case report. West Afr J Med. 2001;20:176–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Cheselden W. The anatomy of the human body. 12th ed. London: Livingston, Dodsley, Cadell, Baldwin and Lowndes; 1784.

    Google Scholar 

  66. Stock FE. Faecal fistula and bilateral strangulated hernia in an infant. Br Med J. 1951;1:171.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Aird I. The association of inguinal hernia with traumatic perforation of the intestine. Br J Surg. 1935;24:529–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  68. Masso-Misse P, Hamadiko, Yomi, Mbakop A, Yao GS, Malonga E. A rare complication of inguinal hernia. Evisceration by rupture of the scrotum secondary to blunt trauma of the abdomen. J Chir (Paris). 1994;131:212–3.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Reynolds RD. Intestinal perforation from trauma to an inguinal hernia. Arch Fam Med. 1995;4:972–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. Ralph-Edwards A, Maziak D, Deitel M, Thompson DA, Kucey DS, Bayley TA. Sudden rupture of an indirect inguinal hernial sac with extravasation in two patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Can J Surg. 1994;37:70–2.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  71. Ackerman LV. Tumours of the retroperitoneum mesentery and peritoneum. Atlas of tumour pathology. Washington, DC: Armed Forces Institute of Pathology; 1954. p. 134–5.

    Google Scholar 

  72. Partrick DA, Bensard DD, Karrer FM, Ruyle SZ. Is routine pathological evaluation of pediatric hernia sacs justified? J Pediatr Surg. 1998;33:1090–2.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Rosai J, Dehner LP. Nodular mesothelial hyperplasia in hernia sacs: a benign reactive condition simulating a neoplastic process. Cancer. 1975;35:165–75.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  74. Ordonez NG, Ro JY, Ayala AG. Lesions described as nodular mesothelial hyperplasia are primarily composed of histiocytes. Am J Surg Pathol. 1998;22:285–92.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  75. Brandt WE. Unusual complications of hernia repairs: large symptomatic granulomas. Am J Surg. 1956;92:640–3.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  76. Grove A, Jensen ML, Donna A. Mesotheliomas of the tunica vaginalis testis and hernial sacs. Virchows Arch A Pathol Anat Histopathol. 1989;415:283–92.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  77. Lee JR, Hancock SM, Martindale RG. Solitary fibrous tumors arising in abdominal wall hernia sacs. Am Surg. 2001;67:577–81.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. Ficarra BJ. Hernia: masquerader of surgical disorders. Surg Clin North Am. 1971;51:1401–14.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Roslyn JJ, Stabile BE, Rangenath C. Cancer in inguinal and femoral hernias. Am Surg. 1980;46:358–62.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  80. Matsumoto G, Ise H, Inoue H, Ogawa H, Suzuki N, Matsuno S. Metastatic colon carcinoma found within an inguinal hernia sac: report of a case. Surg Today. 2000;30:74–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  81. Lejars F. Neoplasmes herniares et peri-herniares. Gaz Hop Civ Mil. 1889;62:801–11.

    Google Scholar 

  82. Lees W. Carcinoma of colon in inguinal hernial sacs. Br J Surg. 1966;53:473–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. Griffiths JC, Toomey WF. Large bowel obstruction due to a herniated carcinoma of sigmoid colon. Br J Surg. 1964;51:715–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  84. Nayak IN. Malignant mucocele of the appendix in a femoral hernia. Postgrad Med J. 1974;50:246–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Kasson MA, Munoz E, Laughlin A, Margolis IB, Wise L. Value of routine pathology in herniorrhaphy performed upon adults. Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1986;163:518–22.

    Google Scholar 

  86. Quagliarello J, Coppa G, Bigelow B. Isolated endometriosis in an inguinal hernia. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1985;152:688–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  87. Yuen JS, Chow PK, Koong HN, Ho JM, Girija R. Unusual sites (thorax and umbilical hernial sac) of endometriosis. J R Coll Surg Edinb. 2001;46:313–5.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  88. Lung NG, Kit HK, Collins REC. Leiomyoma of the broad ligament in an obturator hernia presenting as a lump in the groin. J R Soc Med. 1986;79:174–5.

    Google Scholar 

  89. Coetzee T, Phillips WR. Torsion of a myomatous uterus incarcerated in an umbilical hernia. Br J Surg. 1960;48:342–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  90. Zuckerkandl M. Hernia inflammata in Folge Typhilitis des Wormfortsatzes in einem Leistebruche. Wien Klin Wochenschr. 1891;4:305.

    Google Scholar 

  91. Bennett C. Appendiceal pus in a hernia sac simulating strangulated inguinal hernia. Br Med J. 1919;2:75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  92. Garland EA. Femoral appendicitis. J Indiana State Med Assoc. 1955;48:1292–6.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  93. Watkins RM. Appendix abscess in a femoral hernial sac—case report and review of the literature. Postgrad Med J. 1981;57:306–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  94. Ekwueme O. Strangulated external hernia associated with generalized peritonitis. Br J Surg. 1973;60:929–33.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  95. Ryan WJ. Hernia of the vermiform appendix. Ann Surg. 1937;105:135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  96. De Garengeot RJC. Traite des operations de chirurgie. 2nd ed. Paris: Huart; 1731. p. 369–71.

    Google Scholar 

  97. Doolin W. Inflamed appendix in a hernial sac. Br Med J. 1919;2:239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  98. Lestor R, Burke JR. Strangulated femoral hernia containing appendices. J R Coll Surg Edinb. 1979;24:102–3.

    Google Scholar 

  99. Logan MT, Nottingham JM. Amyand’s hernia: a case report of an incarcerated and perforated appendix within an inguinal hernia and review of the literature. Am Surg. 2001;67:628–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  100. House MG, Goldin SB, Chen H. Perforated Amyand’s hernia. South Med J. 2001;94:496–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  101. Orr KB. Perforated appendix in an inguinal hernial sac: Amyand’s hernia. Med J Aust. 1993;159:762–3.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  102. Carey LC. Acute appendicitis occurring in hernias: a report of 10 cases. Surgery. 1967;61:236–8.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  103. Doig CM. Appendicitis in umbilical hernial sac. Br Med J. 1970;2:113–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  104. Thomas WE, Vowles KD, Williamson RC. Appendicitis in external herniae. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 1982;64:121–2.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  105. Gray HT. Lesions of the isolated appendix vermiformis in the hernial sac. Br Med J. 1910;2:1142–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  106. Luchs JS, Halpern D, Katz DS. Amyand’s hernia: prospective CT diagnosis. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2000;24:884–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  107. Bamberger PK. Revisiting Amyand’s hernia in the laparoscopic era. Surg Endosc. 2001;15:1051.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  108. Cope Z. The early diagnosis of the acute abdomen. 4th ed. London: Oxford University Press; 1972.

    Google Scholar 

  109. Johnson CD. Appendicitis in external herniae. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 1982;64:283.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Morten Bay-Nielsen .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2013 Springer Science+Business Media London

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Bay-Nielsen, M. (2013). Complications of Hernia in General. In: Kingsnorth, A., LeBlanc, K. (eds) Management of Abdominal Hernias. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-877-3_10

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-877-3_10

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-84882-876-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-84882-877-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics