Colonic obstruction within inguinal hernia.

A review of the literature reveals that inguinal hernias rarely cause colonic obstruction. Three examples of colonic obstruction associated with inguinal hernia are presented. In two of the patients carcinoma of the colon in the hernia sac was responsible for the obstruction, while in the third, the hernia itself was the cause. Careful clinical and radiographic evaluation is recommended in all patients presenting with inguinal hernia and large bowel dilatation to the level of the hernia, to rule out the presence of an obstructing lesion within the hernia.