Amyand's hernia: a review

Abstract

Abstract Amyand's hernia is defined as when the appendix is trapped within an inguinal hernia. While the incidence of this type of hernia is rare, the appendix may become incarcerated within Amyand's hernia and lead to further complications such as strangulation and perforation. Incarceration of the appendix most commonly occurs within inguinal and femoral hernias, but may arise to a lesser extent in incisional and umbilical hernias. Incarcerated appendix has been reported in a variety of ventral abdominal and inguinal locations, yet its indistinct clinical presentation represents a diagnostic challenge. This paper reviews the literature on incarceration of the appendix within inguinal hernias and discusses current approaches to diagnosis and treatment of Amyand's hernia and complications that may arise from incarceration of the appendix within the hernia.

Figure 1

This illustration depicts an Amyand’s hernia. The appendix is shown within an indirect inguinal hernia, passing through both the deep and superficial inguinal rings and passing lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels.

Figure 2

Amyand hernia. CT image shows the appendix within an Amyand’s hernia. The indirect hernia originates superolateral to the course of the inferior epigastric artery. Reproduced from Burkhardt et al. [13] with permission from Radiographics. Copyright 2011.

Figure 3

Amyand hernia. Color-coded CT image shows the appendix (yellow) within an Amyand’s hernia. The indirect hernia originates superolateral to the course of the inferior epigastric artery (red). Reproduced from Burkhardt et al. [13] with permission from Radiographics. Copyright 2011.