This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Hernia (gluteal / sciatic)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Gluteal and sciatic herniae are among the rarest of abdominal hernias. The gluteal hernia passes through the greater sciatic foramen, either above or below the piriformis. The sciatic hernia passes through the lesser sciatic foramen.

These herniae must be distinguished from:

  • lipoma or fibro-sarcoma beneath the gluteus maximus
  • tuberculous abscess
  • gluteal aneurysm

Incarceration or strangulation of the bowel diagnoses the hernia.

Repair is usually made through the abdomen. The hernia sac and contents are reduced, and the weak area closed by making a fascial flap from the superficial fascia of the piriformis muscle.

Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.