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Hernia Surgery - Inguinal Hernia Treatment

Alternative names :- Hernia - inguinal; Inguinal hernia

A hernia is the protrusion of an organ (small bowel, large bowel, ovary, etc..) through a weakness in the abdominal wall. This weakness can be congenital (umbilical hernias, epigastric, inguinal hernias) or acquired (some inguinal hernias), and following abdominal operations.

Causes

Inguinal hernias are caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall. In some people, this weakness is congenital, which means it is present at birth. In others, it develops over time, as a result of excessive weight gain or loss, physical activity that places pressure on the abdomen, pregnancy, straining during bowel movements because of constipation, straining during urination because of an enlarged prostate, or chronic and intense coughing. Because the abdominal wall is weak, the hernia occurs during abdominal strain.

Signs and symptoms

One of the following:

• A lump in the groin or umbilical area that usually returns to its normal position with gentle pressure or by lying down.
• A protrusion at the site of previous surgery.
• Scrotal swelling, with or without pain.
• Fullness or swelling in lips of the vagina.

All types of hernias can cause mild discomfort or pain at the site of the lump, particularly with exercise or competitive sports.

Diagnosis

A doctor can confirm the presence of a hernia during a physical exam. The mass may increase in size when coughing, bending, lifting, or straining. The hernia (bulge) may not be obvious in infants and children, except when the child is crying or coughing.

Treatment

Treatment is important to avoid a potentially serious condition called a strangulated hernia. This is when the bulging through the muscle wall obstructs the flow of blood to the intestine or stops the flow of intestinal contents leading to tissue death.

An inguinal hernia can often be reduced, pushed back into place. If it is nonreducable then surgery is required under a general anaesthetic. Usually done on an out patient basis the segment of bowel is put back in the abdominal cavity and the muscle closed. A piece of plastic mesh is sometimes used to reinforce the weakened muscle area. A dry dressing protects the incision area for a few days.

Home Treatment

• Whenever you lie down prior to surgery, push your hernia gently into place if it protrudes visibly.
• Don't wear a hernia truss. It injures or weakens tissues, making surgery difficult or impossible.
• Don't strain to have bowel movements.

Prevention

• A weak area may not herniate until it ruptures with heavy lifting or straining.
• Use proper lifting techniques.
• Don't strain when having bowel movements.
• Don't use weight-lifting equipment the hernia has been repaired surgically. If you must lift something, lift properly.
• Bend your knees, left the object and rise using your leg muscles. Keep the object close to your body.
• Don't bend from the waist and lift. Prevent complications by having surgery to repair the hernia.
• Lose weight if you are overweight.