A 55-year-old man has an indirect inguinal hernia. During laparoscopic repair (TEP), the surgeon identifies the 'triangle of doom'. What critical structures lie within this triangle?

• A Femoral nerve, ilioinguinal nerve, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
• B External iliac vessels and deep circumflex iliac artery
• C Obturator nerve and obturator vessels
• D External iliac artery and vein ✓

Explanation

The 'triangle of doom' in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is bounded by the vas deferens medially and the gonadal vessels laterally, with the peritoneum forming the apex. Within this triangle lie the external iliac artery and vein. Staple or tack placement in this area risks vascular injury. The 'triangle of pain' is a separate lateral triangle containing the femoral nerve, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, and genitofemoral nerve.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.