ABSTRACT
Background: Inguinal hernia results from the failure of embryonic closure of the deep inguinal ring and is the most common cause of swelling in the groin region. However, an inguinal hernia is not the only cause for swelling in that region. Objectives: The main aim and objective of this study were to evaluate female patients with swellings in the inguinal region in terms of incidence, clinical presentation, age distribution, and differential diagnosis. Methods: The present clinical study was carried out at the Department of General Surgery; Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences, Shimoga from March 2014 to March 2015. All the patients were thoroughly investigated, and surgical procedures were done. Results: Among the 10 cases studied, 6 cases were the regular inguinal hernia and the rest 4 cases were a subcutaneous lipoma. The ultrasonography of the part had revealed it has hernias. Surgical procedures were done and specimens obtained were sent to histopathological examination. Conclusion: The present study reveals that all inguinal swellings need not be a hernia and it can be due to other causes also and ultrasonography of the part is not the conclusive diagnostic tool.