title: [New prospects in the etiology of groin hernias].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Service universitaire de chirurgie abdominale, clinique A-Renard, Herstal, Belgique.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pans
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents
vernacular_title: Nouvelles perspectives dans l'étiologie des hernies de l'aine.