FALSE INGUINAL HERNIA. 



551 



After rupture of the peritoneum and of this connective tissue, 

 intestine or omentum may pass into the inguinal canal outside the 

 tunica vaginalis, forming what is termed " peritoneal-scrotal hernia " 

 (Fig. 398). The condition clearly has a great resemblance to true 

 inguinal hernia ; but the swelling appears higher up, close under the 

 inguinal ring, because the hernial contents are not confined by the 

 tunica vaginalis, in consequence of which the base of the hernial 

 sac appears more pointed, and may take the form of a peaked night-cap. 

 Taxis is more difficult than in the previous condition. In doubtful 



Fig. 398. — Peritoneal-scrotal hernia. (Hering.) 



cases examination per rectum may give reliable information as to 

 the character of the swelling. 



The condition was discovered by Hildach during a post-mortem 

 on a stallion, and has been described by H. Bouley in France as 

 " hernie extra- vaginale." Sometimes it is first recognised when 

 performing the operation for inguinal hernia, the contents of the 

 hernia, and not the tunica vaginalis, coming in view on incising the 

 scrotum. Stockfleth saw it in boars, but it seems unknown in other 

 animals. The first change consists in rupture of the above-described 

 portion of the abdominal wall, probably from abnormal increase 



