Age
Occupation
Size, site, onset, course, duration
Reducibility (partial/total)
History of factors that increase the intra-abdominal pressure (constipation, prostatism, heavy lifting, pregnancy, ascites, and chronic cough)
History of prior hernia repair (laparoscopic vs open, postoperative complications)
History of any prior abdominal surgery (injury to the ilioinguinal nerve during appendectomy weakens the conjoint tendon and may lead to direct inguinal hernia)
Symptoms of bowel obstruction: colicky abd. pain/distention, nausea, vomiting, constipation
Symptoms of strangulation: tense swelling, pain, fever, and irreducibility
Local symptoms: pain, discomfort