Perineal hernia

In humans

In humans, a major cause of perineal hernia is perineal surgery without adequate reconstruction. In some cases, particularly surgeries to remove the coccyx and distal sacrum, adequate reconstruction is very difficult to achieve. The posterior perineum is a preferred point of access for surgery in the pelvic cavity, particularly in the presacral space. Surgeries here include repair of rectal prolapse and anterior meningocele, radical perineal prostatectomy, removal of tumors including sacrococcygeal teratoma, and coccygectomy. Perineal hernia is a common complication of coccygectomy in adults,{{cite journal | doi-access= free

The standard surgical technique for repair of perineal hernia uses a prosthetic mesh,{{cite journal

In dogs and cats

In dogs, perineal hernia usually is found on the right side. Most cases are in older intact (not neutered) male dogs (93 percent in one study). Breeds that may be at risk include Welsh Corgis, Boxers, Australian Kelpies, Boston Terriers, Collies, Dachshunds, Old English Sheepdogs, and Pekingese. Perineal hernias are rare in female dogs and uncommon in cats.

Dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia have been found to have increased relaxin levels and suspected subsequent weakening of the pelvic diaphragm. In cats, perineal hernias are seen most commonly following perineal urethrostomy surgery or secondary to megacolon. Medical treatment consists of treatment of the underlying disease, enemas, and stool softeners. Because only about 20 percent of cases treated medically are free of symptoms, surgery is often necessary. Recurrence is common with or without surgery.

Several surgeries have been described for perineal hernias in dogs. The current standard involves transposition of the internal obturator muscle. This technique has a lower recurrence and complication rate than traditional hernia repair. A new technique uses porcine small intestinal submucosa as a biomaterial to help repair the defect. This is can also be done in combination with internal obturator muscle transposition, especially when that muscle is weak.

References

References

1. (2002). "Mineralized paraprostatic cyst as a potential contributing factor in the development of perineal hernias in a dog". J Am Vet Med Assoc.
2. Seim, Howard B., III. (2004). "Perineal Hernia Repair". Proceedings of the 29th World Congress of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
3. (2006). "Perineal Hernia". The Merck Veterinary Manual.
4. (2005). "Relaxin of prostatic origin might be linked to perineal hernia formation in dogs". Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
5. Hoskins, Johnny D.. (September 2006). "Anorectal Disease". Advanstar Communications.
6. (2005). "Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine". W.B. Saunders Company.