UTHSC PA Program Podcast

Gastrointestinal - Hernias


Listen Later

In this episode, we review abdominal and groin hernias, including inguinal (direct and indirect), femoral, umbilical, and incisional types. We break down the pathophysiology of fascial defects leading to organ protrusion, key risk factors such as heavy lifting and prior surgery, and the clinical distinction between reducible, incarcerated, and strangulated hernias. The discussion highlights hallmark exam findings, when imaging is helpful, and clear indications for urgent surgical referral. A high-yield, clinically focused review designed to help clinicians recognize complications early and manage hernias appropriately in both outpatient and emergent settings.

References

1) Bushardt RL, Colomb-Lippa DM, Klinger AM, Reed H. The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs: Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE. 1st ed. LWW; 2021. ISBN: 9781975143817.

2) Nadia A Henriksen, Heather Bougard, Mário R Gonçalves, William Hope, Ritu Khare, Jenny Shao, Andrea C Quiroga-Centeno, Eva B Deerenberg, Primary ventral and incisional hernias: comprehensive review, BJS Open, Volume 9, Issue 1, February 2025, zrae145, https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsopen/zrae145

3) Joppin V, Masson C, Bendahan D, Bege T. A review of ventral hernia biomechanics Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials. 2026; 173:107159-.

4) McBee, Patrick J.; Walters, Ryan W.1; Fitzgibbons, Robert J.. Current status of inguinal hernia management: A review. International Journal of Abdominal Wall and Hernia Surgery 5(4):p 159-164, Oct–Dec 2022. | DOI: 10.4103/ijawhs.ijawhs_36_22

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

UTHSC PA Program PodcastBy Kristopher Maday, PA-C, DFAAPA