Enigmatic aetiology of inguinal hernia

Abstract

Inguinal hernia is one of the commonest abdominal wall hernias. Various theories were postulated for preventive mechanisms in normal adults. However surprisingly none of these mechanisms are taken into consideration while devising operations for treating inguinal hernias. So, the aetiology of inguinal hernia continues to be an enigma for surgical researchers. Review of literature has revealed variable factors and mechanisms which could possibly explain the formation of an inguinal hernia. The various mechanisms are discussed in this brief review on aetiology of inguinal hernias.