Anatomical basis for the repair of direct and indirect inguinal hernias

Objective To determine anatomical structures of inguinal canal and provide anatomical basis for the repair of direct and indirect inguinal hernias. Methods The inguinal canal,inguinal ligament and inguinal falx were determined by dissecting 33 (66 sides) adult cadavers and the relevant data was measured. Results The average lengths of inguinal ligament were 11.9 cm for males, and 11.4 cm for females. The widths were 0.7 cm for males, and 0.6 cm for females; The lengths of inguinal canal were 4.9 cm for males, and 4.5 cm for females; The posterior wall of inguinal canal could be divided into two closely linked fascias and formed an oval area and the length of and was 2.9 cm for males , 2.6 cm for female, and the widths were 1.4 cm; The lengths of inguinal falx were 2.4 cm for males, and 2.0 cm for females. Four types of inguinal falx were observed; 3 types in the origin of internal oblique muscle of abdomen were fomal. 3 types in its tendinous transition and 2 types in the origin of transvers muscle of abdomen. Conclusion These measurements can supply anatomical basis for the repair of direct and indirect inguinal hernias in clinic.