Inguinal Hernia occurs when the contents in abdominal cavity undergo protrusion through the inguinal canal. Inguinal canal contains the spermatic cord in males and round ligament in females on each side of lower abdomen. When hernia occurs either fat or intestine bulges out through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. Inguinal hernias occur in males and females both at any age group.
Inguinal hernia may be –
Reducible – A bulge appears on standing or coughing and disappears on lying down.
Incarcerated – In some cases, the bulge may not reduce. This means the hernia is “Incarcerated”. Patients suffering from incarcerated inguinal hernia experience pain due to stretching of a part of the intestine along with the bulge.
Obstructed – As the condition progresses, the intestines descend into the hernia and get entangled causing obstruction of intestinal contents leading to vomiting, distension of abdomen with pain and constipation.
Strangulation – This denotes blockage of blood supply of intestines which leads to gangrene or perforation and other sequelae if not operated urgently. Patients experience severe pain in the hernia site with reddish discoloration of overlying skin.
There are two types of Inguinal Hernias –
Direct Inguinal Hernia – This condition is usually experienced by older adults and it may occur due to repeated straining associated with chronic cough, constipation or prostatic enlargement, rapid weight gain or lifting heavy objects inappropriately. This causes weakening of the abdominal muscle wall which allows part of the intestine to bulge out through the posterior abdominal wall.
Indirect Inguinal Hernia – This condition is congenital or hereditary when it affects neonates and children. It may also occur in adults from repeated straining where the bulge comes out through the deep inguinal ring.
Symptoms of Inguinal Hernia –
Tenderness in the lower right side on the stomach especially the groin and the area around it. Sever pain or discomfort in
Sever pain or discomfort in groin area while bending down from the waist, lifting heavy objects, exercising, coughing or while passing stool.
Increase in the intensity of the pain and swelling throughout the day and decrease while lying down. Appearance of a bulging area seen evidently when bearing down.
Appearance of a bulging area seen evidently when bearing down.
Causes of Inguinal Hernia –
Straining during urination or during defecating
Lifting heavy weights
Presence of collagen vascular disease
Chronic cough
Obesity
Pregnancy
Genetic factors
Smoking
Diagnosis of Inguinal Hernia –
Physical examination – A thorough visual examination of the groin area is done as the preliminary step to check for bulges. The doctor would advise you to stand and cough to check if the Hernia is prominently visible.
Imaging techniques – If the hernia bulge is not visible during a physical examination, imaging techniques like Ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT Scan) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be prescribed.
Treatment of Inguinal Hernia –
Inguinal hernias do not heal on their own and require surgery.
Herniotomy – The procedure involves moving the hernia sac away from the scrotum and other sensitive areas and closing it up with sutures. It is performed for infants and children.
Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair - This surgery involves inserting laparoscopic instruments through tiny incisions. It may be a Transabdominal or Totally Extraperitoneal approach. This procedure leaves less scars and brings about faster healing while allowing for coverage with large sized mesh on each side preventing future recurrences.
Dr. Nikhil Agnihotri, expert Laparoscopic Surgeon provides Inguinal Hernia Treatment in New Delhi, India. Contact us to know more about treatment and cost.
Thank you for getting me such good care and service. My surgery went wonderful, and I felt no pain after the laparoscopic surgery. The staff & nurses treating me were most sympathetic & helpful in every way. Every request by me & my family was granted with warmth, love & affection. VIEW MORE POST+
George
India
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Raiza
India
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