ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Hernias through the triangle of Petit (TP) are uncommon. The anatomy of the TP is known to be variable, yet quantitative data are scant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The triangle was observed in 80 adult cadavers and its dimensions and surface area were measured. RESULTS: On the basis of surface area we classified the triangles into four types. Type I or small TP, with a surface area of <8 cm2, accounted for 43.7% of our specimens. Type II (26.2%) were intermediate in size, with a surface areas of 8-12 cm2. Type III (12.5%) were large triangles with surface areas >12 cm2. Finally, Type IV (17.5%) were not triangles. In these, the latissimus dorsi was covered by the external abdominal oblique muscle. CONCLUSIONS: We hope these data will help prediction of which patients are at greater risk of herniation through the TP.
