Sciatic hernia: is it really rare?
Surgery Today
|October 1, 2013
Summary
Asymptomatic sciatic hernias are common in obturator hernia patients, found in 24%. Low body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor, and immediate repair of these sciatic hernias is often unnecessary if asymptomatic.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- Sciatic hernias are considered rare, but often found incidentally alongside obturator hernias.
- Asymptomatic sciatic hernias have not been previously studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency, risk factors, and prognosis of asymptomatic sciatic hernias.
- To determine the clinical significance of sciatic hernias co-existing with obturator hernias.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) scans from 38 patients with new-onset obturator hernia.
- Diagnosis of sciatic hernia based on MDCT findings.
- Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes between patients with and without sciatic hernias.
Main Results:
- Twenty-four percent (9/38) of patients with obturator hernia had concomitant sciatic hernias, with 13% (5/38) being bilateral.
- Patients with sciatic hernias had a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) (17.2 ± 2.4 kg/m²) compared to those without (19.6 ± 2.6 kg/m²).
- All sciatic hernias were asymptomatic and non-incarcerated; none required surgical repair and no complications arose from the untreated sciatic hernias.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of obturator hernia patients (24%) present with asymptomatic sciatic hernias.
- Low BMI is identified as a risk factor for the presence of concomitant sciatic hernias.
- Asymptomatic sciatic hernias do not typically require immediate surgical intervention when found with obturator hernias.
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