ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION OF TOPOGRAPHIC AND ANATOMICAL PARAMETERS OF THE INGUINAL CANAL IN MALES WITH HERNIAS

Objectives.To study ultrasonic topographic and anatomical parameters of the inguinal canal with different types of hernias. Material and methods. 75 patients of young, middle and old age with inguinal hernias II, IIIa and IIIb types by L. Nyhus were examined. The height (H) of the inguinal gap (PP) and the length (L) of the inguinal canal (PC), the total thickness of the internal oblique and transverse abdominal muscles (STM), and the diameter of the deep inguinal ring (DGPC) were measured using ultrasonic method. Results. In elderly patients with all types of inguinal hernias a significant increase in height of PP and a decrease in STM the upper wall of the inguinal canal compared with younger patients were revealed. In young patients STM of the upper wall of the inguinal canal exceeded 7 mm, and in the elderly it was in the range of 4.5-5 mm. Conclusions. Ultrasound enables to assess anatomical parameters of PC which may be the criteria for choosing the method of hernioplasty at the stage of preoperative preparation.