TREATMENT OF FALSE > INGUINAL HERNIA. 
298 
than in the previous condition. In doubtful cases examination per 
anum may give reliable information as to the hernial 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 
processus vaginalis, coming in view on incising the skin of the scrotum 
and the tunica dartos. Stockfleth saw it in boars, but it seems unknown 
Fig. 130.—Peritoneal-scrotal hernia. (Hering.) 
in other animals. The first change consists in rupture of the above- 
described portion of the abdominal wall, resulting from abnormal increase 
in intra-abdominal pressure, or possibly from violent movement. Hildach 
saw this form of hernia suddenly occur after the animal had been ridden. 
Prognosis is even less favourable than in true inguinal nernia, the 
danger of incarceration being greater, and recovery attended with more 
difficulty, because the processus vaginalis cannot be drawn forward to 
effect closure of the hernial opening. 
Treatment. Where strangulation has not set in, operation should 
be avoided. Reduction of incarcerated hernise may be attempted in the 
standing position, but usually fails, even when assisted from within by a 
