Emergent Inguinal Hernia Repair
Groin hernias are common, and urgent or emergent groin hernia repair is needed when the hernias are incarcerated or strangulated. The morbidity and mortality of emergent groin hernia repairs is higher than for elective repairs. Over the years, multiple strategies have evolved for the technical approach to repair of groin hernias that present acutely with incarceration or strangulation. Both minimally invasive and open approaches play a role in the acute setting, and more recent data points to there being a safe role for the use of mesh in these non-elective repairs. A careful assessment of patient factors, details of the hernia presentation, physical findings, and imaging features best informs surgical decision-making for incarcerated groin hernias and helps set appropriate expectations for the patient. In this chapter, we review the clinical evaluation and surgical options for acute groin hernia presentations.
