The groin (inguinal region) is the transitional area between the abdomen and the legs. The groin contains blood vessels, nerves, and lymph nodes. It also contains some weak points in the abdominal wall, such as the inguinal canal (located just above the inguinal (Poupart\u2019s) ligament, running from the anterior superior iliac crest to the pubic tubercle) and the femoral canal (located just below the inguinal ligament, medial to the femoral veins and arteries). Inguinal disorders, such as inguinal or femoral hernias, can cause abdominal symptoms. Therefore, attention should always be given to the groin during an abdominal examination. The opposite is also true: abdominal examination is important for patients with symptoms originating in the inguinal region (consider lymph node metastases, peritonitis related to a trapped inguinal hernia, or pain radiating from the groin due to aortic aneurysm). For patients with inguinal symptoms and \/ or disorders, attention should also be given to the history-taking and examination of the genitalia. Examination of the male genitalia is discussed below; the gynaecological examination is covered in a separate publication.<\/p>\n
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\nHernias can cause intermittent symptoms and abnormalities. Questions during the history-taking should cover this topic explicitly.
\nIf the groin examination is performed immediately after the abdominal examination, the patient may initially be lying on their back. Investigating the presence of hernias is preferably conducted while the patient is standing (gravity makes hernias more clearly visible). For this examination, the lower body should be completely exposed. The examination can be performed while wearing gloves (particularly if it is combined with an examination of the genitalia). For immobile or very ill patients, the examination may be performed while the patient is lying on their back.<\/p>\n