Table of Contents
Does inguinal hernia affect spermatic cord?
Inguinal hernias occur when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity (omentum) or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen — often along the inguinal canal, which carries the spermatic cord in men.
How do you differentiate a direct and indirect inguinal hernia?
A direct inguinal hernia shows a bulge from the posterior wall of the inguinal canal, whereas an indirect inguinal hernia passes through the inguinal canal or the groin. In the indirect inguinal canal, it is difficult to feel the defect as it occurs behind the external oblique muscle fibers.
Which hernia follows the spermatic cord?
The internal inguinal ring is an opening in the transversalis fascia for the passage of the spermatic cord; an indirect inguinal hernia, therefore, lies within the fibers of the cremaster muscle.
Can a groin hernia cause impotence?
A hernia itself is unlikely to impair a man’s sexual function, as it generally does not affect sexual organs or the nerves associated with them.
What can mimic an inguinal hernia?
Spermatic cord malignancy is a rare and challenging diagnosis, often misdiagnosed as an inguinal hernia or cord lipoma.
Why is it called direct hernia?
This type of hernia is termed direct as the hernial sac directly protrudes through the inguinal wall, in contrast to indirect inguinal herniae which arise through the deep ring and enter the inguinal canal.
What causes a direct hernia?
A direct hernia is usually caused when the wall of the abdominal muscles becomes weak. That allows a portion of the intestine to push through the abdominal wall. This weakening can develop over time, due to everyday activities and aging.
Why is direct hernia called direct?
What is direct inguinal hernia?
Direct inguinal hernia: A direct inguinal hernia penetrates directly through the wall of your inguinal canal. This type of hernia occurs in adults over time, from a combination of weakening abdominal muscles and chronic pressure on the muscle wall.
What is external spermatic fascia?
The external spermatic fascia (intercrural or intercolumnar fascia) is a thin membrane, prolonged downward around the surface of the spermatic cord and testis. It is separated from the dartos tunic by loose areolar tissue.
What is the spermatic fascia?
The spermatic fascia is a bilayered fascia covering the testis; both layers are derived from abdominal muscle or fascia.