ABSTRACT
The first description of a surgical repair for an inguinal hernia was reported by Celsus. Unfortunately, this was undertaken via a non-anatomical approach. It was later that the accurate description of the inguinal anatomy was made by Galenus. Non-incarcerated inguinal hernias typically present as a painful and recurrent inguinal bulging that increases in size in the standing position and that may reduce spontaneously during the supine position. The great majority of these inguinal hernias may be repaired on an elective basis via an open or laparoscopic approach. The contents may evolve to strangulating ischemia, which can lead to visceral gangrene and perforation. The clinical presentation of a painful and irreducible inguinal hernia represents a true surgical emergency given the patient's demographics and associated increased morbidity and mortality. Care must be taken at the time of intra-abdominal access and visceral manipulation in the presence of intestinal dilatation, as inadvertent injury may occur.
