- Etiology: patent processus vaginalis
- Imaging: bowel within the inguinal canal and / or scrotum, in 15-20% of females the hernia sac contains ipsilateral ovary
- Complications: incarcerated inguinal hernia is trapping of hernia contents within hernia sac, strangulated inguinal hernia is prolonged incarceration -> reduced venous flow and impairment of arterial flow -> ischemia and necrosis, may cause testicular ischemia due to compression due to decreased blood flow and venous return
- Clinical: often presents as asymptomatic mass in inguinal canal lateral to rectus sheath and superior to pubic tubercle, may present as distal small bowel obstruction, incidence of 30% in premature infants, incarcerated hernia is a clinical diagnosis and not a radiologic diagnosis