Re-recognizing the pathogenesis of inguinal hernias.

Over the past century, there has been a significant increase in the understanding of groin anatomy as it is related to inguinal hernia. But no one really knows the function of iliopsoas in sealing the inguinal canal and promoting defecation in squatting position. This paper presents the hypothesis that iliopsoas plays an important role in iliopsoas-abdominal reflex by strengthening the groin region, and thus offers a new insight into the study of the pathogenesis of groin hernia and defecation in the aged. This discovery may explain why squatting instead of sitting is better for defecation and urination and why the elderly males are more susceptible to groin hernia. Moreover, the colorectal disease might also benefit from this discovery.