The development of acute symptoms of intestinal obstruction is usually the first warning of the existence of intra-abdominal hernias. Extensive or prolonged operation is contraindicated, and the saving of time is important. A better understanding of the location and differentiation of the various types will enable the surgeon to make a more rapid, intelligent and systematic exploration.
In my study of the development of the gastro-intestinal tract and abdominal fossae I have used Moynihan's monograph. It is essential that one should be familiar with the development of the gastro-intestinal tract, abdominal fossae and the diaphragm in order fully to understand intra-abdominal hernias.
LOCATION AND ORIGIN OF THE ABDOMINAL FOSSAE
The abdominal fossae may be divided into three groups: those formed around the duodenum, around the cecum and around the sigmoid.Waldeyer,1 in 1868, published an excellent work describing the anatomy of the retroperitoneal fossae. Various theories have been advanced