Various intersecting structures are found in the groin, for example vascular structures, lymph nodes and vessels, tendons and muscles. This chapter focuses on inguinal hernias and their diagnosis. Examination of the blood vessels and lymph nodes is discussed in other chapters. The most common type of inguinal hernia is lateral inguinal hernia (also referred to as ‘indirect inguinal hernia’), followed by medial inguinal hernia (‘direct inguinal hernia’). Femoral hernia is the least common type. It is important to distinguish between reducible and non-reducible inguinal hernia, as the latter presents a higher risk of strangulation, which cuts off the blood supply to the content of the hernial sac (usually bowel) and can cause ischaemia. Inguinal hernia can be diagnosed from physical examination, if necessary supplemented by an ultrasound scan, if there is doubt as to the origin of the swelling.
