1.4.4.2 Lateral/indirect inguinal hernia

This type of inguinal hernia can be either of congenital or acquired origin. It accounts for around 60–70% of all cases of inguinal hernias and affects men in particular. It occurs mainly on the right side of the body (49 %), less commonly on the left side (36 %) or on both sides (15 %). Lateral inguinal hernias do not project directly through the abdominal wall, running instead – indirectly – through the inguinal canal. The internal inguinal ring, which is the entrance to the inguinal canal in the region of the lateral inguinal fossa, serves as hernia opening. The hernial sac then protrudes towards the outside at the external inguinal ring, which is the outlet of the inguinal ring.