Objective

To investigate intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and its changes in patients with indirect inguinal hernia and non-hernia diseases.

Methods

Supine IAP (SIAP), supine Valsava IAP (SVIAP), orthostatic IAP (OIAP) and orthostatic Valsava IAP (OVIAP) were measured by intra-vesicle pressure measurement in 19 indirect inguinal hernia patients and 20 non-hernia patients, respectively. The differences of IAP between orthostatic and supine position in quiescent condition (OSIAPD), before and after taking Valsava maneuver in supine position (SVIAPD) or in orthostatic position (OVIAPD), orthostatic and supine position when taking Valsava maneuver (OSVIAPD) were compared between the two groups.

Results

There was no significant differences in SIAP, OIAP, SVIAP, OSIAPD, SVIAPD between the two groups (P> 0.05). While patients with indirect inguinal hernia had higher OVIAP (P< 0.05). Significant differences in OVIAPD and OSVIAPD was found between the two groups (P< 0.05).

Conclusions

The etiology of indirect inguinal hernia were related to orthostatic position, increasing IAP and changes of anatomic structures. The IAP is prone to elevated in patients with indirect inguinal hernia.