This animation may only be used in support of a single legal proceeding and for no other purpose. Read our License Agreement for details. To license this image for other purposes, click here.
MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: An inguinal hernia is a condition where abdominal contents, such as the intestine, bulge through a weakness in an area of the groin called the inguinal canal. As the intestine pushes through this weakness, a hernia sac made from tissue lining the inside of the abdomen, called the peritoneum, surrounds it. The intestine may become trapped, or incarcerated, inside the hernia sac. Over time, its blood supply may be cut off-- leading to strangulation-- where the tissue inside the hernia sac dies. A totally extra peritoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair requires only small keyhole incisions into the abdomen, known as ports. To reach the hernia, the surgeon will insert a tube, called a trocar, through a port located just below your navel, or umbilicus. This instrument will be used to separate the inner abdominal wall from the peritoneum. Then, a balloon surrounding the instrument will be inflated to create a space for the surgeon to work. Next, your surgeon will insert the laparoscope through the umbilical port. Images from its camera will be transmitted to a video monitor in the operating room. Once the working space is created, two additional trocars will be inserted. The surgeon will pass surgical instruments through them. These instruments will be used to separate attachments to the hernia sac, and gently pull it out of the inguinal canal and back into the abdomen. To prevent anything from slipping back through the opening, the surgeon will place a piece of mesh over it and tack it in place. The incisions will be closed with sutures, followed by skin glue, or skin closure tape. [? If ?] there are complications with your laparoscopic procedure, your surgeon will switch to an open procedure with a larger incision.
"I wanted to thank you for the terrific job you did illustrating my client's
injuries. The case was settled at the pre-suit mediation, and I believe a
good part of the success we had was due to the medical legal art you
prepared.
Your work received the ultimate compliment at the conclusion of the mediation. The hospital risk manager took the exhibit with them at the
conclusion of mediation, and will be using it to train nurses on how to
prevent bed sores..."
Steven G. Koeppel Troy, Yeslow & Koeppel, P.A. Fort Myers, FL
"[Your staff] was extremely efficient, cooperative and gracious and [their]
efforts produced a demonstrative exhibit that we used effectively throughout
our trial. The jury verdict of $3,165,000.00 was, in no small measure, due
to the impact of the demonstrative evidence. You may be sure that we will
call again."
David J. Dean
Sullivan Papain Block McGrath & Cannavo, P.C.
New York, NY
"Our firm was able to settle our case at an all day mediation yesterday and
I am confident that the detail and overall appearance of the medical
illustrations significantly contributed to the settlement. When we require
medical illustrations in the future, I will be sure to contact [MLA]."
Noel Turner, III
Burts, Turner, Rhodes & Thompson
Spartanburg, SC
"Whether it's demonstrating a rotator cuff tear, neck movement a few
milliseconds after rear impact, or a proposed lumbar fusion, the Doe Report
represents an instant on-line database of medical illustration for
health-care and legal professionals.
Illustrations can be purchased 'as is' or modified within hours and sent
either electronically or mounted on posterboard. An illustration is worth a
thousand words, as juries perk up and look intently to capture concepts
that are otherwise too abstract. Start with good illustrations, a clear and
direct voice, a view of the jury as 12 medical students on day one of
training, and your expert testimony becomes a pleasure, even on cross
examination. An experienced trial lawyer should also emphasize these
illustrations at the end of trial, as a means of visually reinforcing key
concepts covered.
As a treating physician, I also use these accurate illustrations to educate
my own patients about their medical conditions. The Doe Report is an
invaluable resource, and its authors at MLA have always been a pleasure to
work with."
Richard E. Seroussi M.D., M.Sc.
Diplomate, American Boards of Electrodiagnostic Medicine and PM&R
Seattle Spine & Rehabilitation Medicine
www.seattlespine.info
Medical Legal Art creates medical demonstrative evidence (medical
illustrations, drawings, pictures, graphics, charts, medical animations,
anatomical models, and interactive presentations) for use during legal
proceedings, including research, demand letters, client conferences,
depositions, arbitrations, mediations, settlement conferences, mock jury
trials and for use in the courtroom. We do not provide legal or medical
advice. If you have legal questions, you should find a lawyer with whom you
can discuss your case issues. If you have medical questions, you should seek the advice of a healthcare provider.
