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Review| Volume 207, ISSUE 6, P989-995, June 2014

Amyand's hernia: a review

  • Adamantios Michalinos
    Correspondence
    Corresponding author. Tel.: +30-210-7788252; fax: +30-210-7788252.
    Affiliations
    1st Department of Surgery, Athens University School of Medicine, “Laikon” University Hospital, 2nd Floor, Agiou Thoma 17 Str, Goudi, Athens, Greece

    Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, “Laikon” General University, Athens, Greece
    Search for articles by this author
  • Demetrios Moris
    Affiliations
    1st Department of Surgery, Athens University School of Medicine, “Laikon” University Hospital, 2nd Floor, Agiou Thoma 17 Str, Goudi, Athens, Greece

    Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, “Laikon” General University, Athens, Greece
    Search for articles by this author
  • Spiridon Vernadakis
    Affiliations
    Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany

    Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, “Laikon” General University, Athens, Greece
    Search for articles by this author
Published:November 11, 2013DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2013.07.043

      Abstract

      Background

      The presence of a vermiform appendix in an inguinal hernia sac is known as Amyand's hernia. The aim of this systematic review was to gather information concerning its prevalence, clinical image, diagnosis, and treatment.

      Data Sources

      The MEDLINE database was thoroughly searched using the keyword “Amyand's hernia.” Additional articles were gathered and evaluated.

      Conclusions

      The true prevalence of Amyand's hernia seems lower than classically described. Its usual clinical image is identical to that of an incarcerated hernia, and thus it is almost impossible to diagnose preoperatively, although ultrasound and computed tomography can help. Treatment includes hernioplasty with or without appendectomy and/or mesh repair depending on the vermiform appendix's inflammation status, the patient's general condition, and other factors. Amyand's hernia generally has a good prognosis, although serious complications have been described. Surgeons should be prepared if they encounter Amyand's hernia because appropriate treatment ensures hernia repair without complications and with avoidance of recurrence.

      Keywords

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