Inguinal hernias are one of the most common conditions to be treated by a general surgeon. About 7% of consultations in a general surgery outpatients, and about 12% of operating theatre time, are related to the management of inguinal hernias. In females, inguinal hernias occur twice as often as femoral hernias whilst in men, they account for over 95% of hernias in the groin.
Indirect hernias may occur at any age. They are common both in children and in the late teens or early twenties when work or sport may exacerbate a congenitally - predisposed hernia. They are more common in males because the inguinal canal is wider than in females. About 60% occur on the right, 20% on the left, and 20% are bilateral.
Direct hernias are rare in children and common in the elderly. Over half are bilateral.
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