Item

Description

Call Number

PHO382

Type of Material

RVideo    'Pamphlet   'Data sheet   'Article   'Audio tape

'Model   'Statistics    'Book           'Poster    'Other:______

Title

Inguinal Hernia

Author

Medline Plus

Publisher

The Patient Education Institute, Inc.

Year of Publication

1995-2005

Target Audience

Men and women of all ages

Suggested Setting

Hospitals/Clinics

Length/Size (minute/page)

12 minutes

Information on the Web (if applicable)

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/inguinalhernia/htm/index.htm

Downloadable at

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/inguinalhernia/htm/lesson.htm

Order Information

N/A

Cost (USD)

Free

Information updated

June 1, 2006

Reviewer

Emily Klee

Abstract

Hernias are common conditions that affect men and women of all ages. A hernia is a condition in which part of the intestine bulges through a weak area in muscles in the abdomen. An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin (the area between the abdomen and thigh). It is called "inguinal" because the intestines push through a weak spot in the inguinal canal, which is a triangle-shaped opening between layers of abdominal muscle near the groin. Obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, and straining to pass stool can cause the intestine to push against the inguinal canal. The stomach and intestines are inside the abdomen covered and protected by the peritoneum, a wall made of many muscles, and the skin.  When the muscles of the abdomen become weak, the intestines and peritoneum push through the weak spot, causing a hernia.  There are three types of hernias: umbilical, groin, and incisional. Symptoms of inguinal hernia may include a lump in the groin near the thigh; pain in the groin; and, in severe cases, partial or complete blockage of the intestine. The doctor diagnoses hernia by doing a physical exam and by taking x rays and blood tests to check for blockage in the intestine. There are two ways to repair groin hernias: open hernia repair and laparoscopic repair. The main treatment for inguinal hernia is surgery to repair the opening in the muscle wall. Sometimes the weak area is reinforced with steel mesh or wire. If the protruding intestine becomes twisted or traps stool, part of the intestine might need to be removed.  Hernia surgery is very safe and effective and risks and complications are very rare.  MedlinePlus and the Patient Education Institute, Inc. have developed a helpful module that explains the symptoms and causes, the surgical procedures, and the risks and complications of an inguinal hernia.  The module is appropriate for people of all ages, either in hospitals, clinics or nursing homes, who need to be educated on the topic.

Critical Comments

Potential audience: Men and women of all ages will use this resource. The audience could possibly be narrowed down primarily to men over the age of 45 and some women.   

Life: This resource will last in terms of durability, being that it is an online and technological source.  However, like any printed material, it may become out of date over time.   

Price: The resource is worth the price because it is a free tutorial and easy to access. 

Quality:  The resource contributes in a positive way to the overall collection because it states many important facts and helpful tips about symptoms and causes, surgical procedures, and risks and complications.  It also provides animated graphics that help to explain the procedure or condition in easy-to-read language.

Balance: Other materials are available in other formats, such as self-playing tutorials and text summaries.  This resource is important to balance the collection because you can easily listen to it explain the slides as you read along and decide to move on when you are ready. 

Availability: This resource is available from Medline Plus and the Patient Education Institute and it is obtainable online for free. 

Content: The resource is accurate, current, appropriate, and objective.  It gives background information and future implications for risks and complications of surgery. 

Known:  The resource is known to the public because Medline Plus and PubMed are extremely popular websites for health inquiries.

Unique: This resource contributes to the collection in a unique perspective because it isn’t a plain and simple article or journal entry.  It is a colorful and easy-to read module that holds your attention. 

Need and Usage

Interests: This resource meets the needs and interests of the audience because of its straightforward uncomplicated method of teaching. 

Purpose: This resource will educate and slightly entertain the audience as well. This is needed in order to hold the attention of the audience. 

Depth: The depth and length is appropriate for the intended audience because delivers just the right amount of information and it is not too long. 

Content Quality 

Format: The subject is suitable for the video and audio format because it supplies pictures as well. 

Authenticity: The content is accurate and correct as compared to many other resources about inguinal hernias.

Reliability: The content is trustworthy through Medline Plus and The Patient Education Institute and the purpose is clear to the audience. 

Relevance: The content matches the purpose of the work that it creates. 

Efficient: The content is worth the effort and time in reading, viewing, and listening.

Appeal: The content is stimulating and interesting to view and listen to.

Organization: The content is well-organized, easy to follow, and presented in an effective and educational manner. 

Technical quality 

Visual Elements: The visual elements of the viewpoint, composition, focus, exposure, color, and clarity are effective. 

Performances: The voice and timing narration skills are effective and appealing.

Overall: The technical, content, and use elements combine adequately to produce an effective and successful production.