inspection of sac contents
Last reviewed 01/2018
Having identified the sac and liberated it from the margins of the femoral canal, it is important to inspect its contents. The lateral wall of the peritoneal sac is grapsed between two closely-applied haemostats and, ensuring no bowel is beneath, a small incision is made between the two. The incision is extended to reveal the contents.
It is important to enter the sac on the lateral side as the extraperitoneal, anterolateral wall of the bladder can form the medial wall of the sac.
The contents of the hernia are inspected. Adhesions can divided by blunt dissection with a finger. If the contents are viable then they are replaced back into the abdominal cavity. If there is any possibility of strangulation, then an alternative approach is required - see submenu.