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Hernias of the Pelvic Wall

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Management of Abdominal Hernias

Abstract

There are several large openings in the bony pelvic girdle, including its floor that can allow for intestine or viscera to pass through and develop a hernia. However, the near vertical walls of the pelvis mitigate against the development of hernia—mitigate—but not completely deny hernia formation. Although rare, hernias of the deep pelvic structures can occur and cause debilitating symptoms. Unfortunately, physicians often ignore these symptoms because hernias in the pelvic areas are difficult to see and to palpate. For the most part, pelvic wall hernia is not even considered in females with vague abdominal or pelvic symptoms. Nonetheless, general surgeons need a thorough knowledge of pelvic anatomy, particularly, potential hernia sites in women, to avoid inadequate diagnostic workup and examination. Patients, usually older female patients, suffer the consequences of our inattention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, St. Elizabeth Health Center, Youngstown, OH, USA

    Michael S. Kavic

  2. Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Stephen M. Kavic

  3. OB/GYN, Medicine Loyola University Medical Center 630-953-6669, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA

    Suzanne Marie Kavic (Division Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Associate Professor)

Authors
  1. Michael S. Kavic
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  2. Stephen M. Kavic
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  3. Suzanne Marie Kavic
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael S. Kavic .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Surgery, Peninsula College of Medicine & Dentistr, N/A, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, Devon, United Kingdom

    Andrew N. Kingsnorth

  2. , Surgeons Group of Baton Rouge, Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group, N/A, Baton Rouge, 70808, Louisiana, USA

    Karl A. LeBlanc

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Kavic, M.S., Kavic, S.M., Kavic, S.M. (2013). Hernias of the Pelvic Wall. In: Kingsnorth, A., LeBlanc, K. (eds) Management of Abdominal Hernias. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-877-3_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-877-3_20

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-84882-876-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-84882-877-3

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