[New prospects in the etiology of groin hernias].
OBJECTIVE
To explore new etiological hypotheses of groin hernias, using a biomechanical and histochemical study of the transversalis fascia and of the rectus sheath.


METHODS
The samples were collected from 63 patients with uni- or bilateral hernias and from 30 control subjects without hernia. The biomechanical properties were assessed using a computerized-suction device (Cutometer). Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson-trichrome and double-stained with sirius red and orcein.


RESULTS
There was no major biomechanical and histological difference between the control and patient aponeuroses. The patient fasciae from the non-herniated sides presented an increased extensibility and elasticity, as compared with the control fasciae. Those fasciae also showed a collagen framework with disorganized areas and an increased number of isolated fibers.


CONCLUSIONS
The transversalis fascia from the nonherniated side appears to be a pathological fascia. Therefore, a connective tissue pathology seems to be involved in the genesis of groin hernias, with a preferential manifestation in the inguinal region which affects mainly the collagen fibers.
Pans
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Service universitaire de chirurgie abdominale, clinique A-Renard, Herstal, Belgique.
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004396:Coloring Agents; D004548:Elasticity; D005205:Fascia / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006552:Hernia, Inguinal / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017568:Rectus Abdominis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D012737:Sex Factors
D004396:Coloring Agents
Nouvelles perspectives dans l'étiologie des hernies de l'aine.