CLASSIFICATION OF INGUINAL-HERNIA

Classification of inguinal hernia is a necessary prerequisite for a re liable analysis of different methods of repair. The underlying categor ization is done intraoperatively based on the localization (,M' medial , ,L' lateral, ,F' femoral) and transverse diameter (I = < 1.5 cm, II = 1.5-3.0 cm, III = > 3.0 cm) of the hernial orifice. In cases of comb ined hernias the diameters of both fascial defects is added up, the he rnia is classified according to the part of major importance for the d evelopment of recurrences, the medial defect, with the index ,c'. The classification can be applied to open as well as laparoscopic approach es. The diameters of the tip of the index finger or the length of bran ch of endoscopic scissors (1.5 cm), respectively, serve as standards f or measurement.