Hernia (1/3), where the hernia contents push through a weak spot in the back wall of the inguinal canal. Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia in both men and women. In some selected cases, they may require surgery. There are special cases in which the hernia may contain both direct and indirect hernia simultaneously pantaloon hernia, or, though very rare, may contain simultaneous indirect hernias. Pantaloon hernia (Saddle Bag hernia) is a combined direct and indirect hernia, when the hernial sac protrudes on either side of the inferior epigastric vessels. Femoral hernias occur just below the inguinal ligament,
Superficial epigastric artery Superficial epigastric artery The superficial epigastric artery (not to be confused with the superior epigastric artery) arises from the front of the femoral artery about 1 cm below the inguinal ligament, and, passing through the femoral sheath and the fascia cribrosa, turns upward in front of the inguinal ligament, and ascends between the two layers of the superficial fascia of the abdominal wall nearly as far as the umbilicus. It distributes branches to the superficial subinguinal lymph glands, the superficial fascia, and the integument; it anastomoses with branches of the inferior epigastric, and with its fellow of the opposite side.