[Sportsman's hernia--a plea for conservative therapeutical approach]

Sportsmen often suffer prolonged inguinal pain which can become a serious debilitating condition. In most cases the pain originates from a musculoskeletal problem. However, for some patients it has been suggested that the etiology is a weakness of the inguinal canal. This syndrome was termed "sportsman's hernia" although a hernia can not be found on physical examination. Imaging findings were found to be inconclusive regarding the alleged hidden hernia. Various types of operations, based on the variable theories regarding the pathophysiological process, have been developed for the treatment of this syndrome. Some surgeons focus on the external elements of the inguinal canal, and repair the external oblique fascia or enforce the groin with the rectus abdominis. Other surgeons perform an inguinal hernia repair procedure, either with sutures, synthetic mesh, or laparoscopically. Some researchers believe that the problem is in the lower abdominal muscles, or is caused by nerve entrapment, and treat it accordingly. There are no controlled comparative data on the results of the various surgical approaches, and there is no evidence that surgical treatment is more beneficial than conservative treatment. We recommend to operate only if conservative therapy, with prolonged rest, fails. During the operation the inguinal canal should be thoroughly explored, and will be enforced only if a hernia, or a definite weakness of the canal's floor, are found. Similarly, the release of a nerve should be performed only when the exploration reveals clear evidence of entrapment.