Groin bulge on the shelf? Don’t get trapped by the anatomy. In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep!, Chris and Mars break down inguinal hernias in a fast, high-yield way that helps you separate indirect from direct, recognize the classic exam clues, and know when a hernia becomes an emergency.

You’ll learn how to use the inguinal ligament and inferior epigastric vessels to classify hernias, why indirect hernias can track into the scrotum, how direct hernias push through Hesselbach triangle, and which findings suggest incarceration or strangulation. This episode also reviews the key differential diagnoses, when imaging helps, and the management pathway from watchful waiting to urgent surgery.

Perfect for medical students who want a clean, shelf-focused review of one of the most tested surgery topics.