What kind of Doctor would fix an inguinal hernia?
Once you determine the right time to get treated, you need to find the best hernia doctor. Primary care doctors usually diagnose and treat most hernias from the beginning, but definitive treatment will mean surgery. But what kind of doctor repairs hernias? Depending on location, the hernia surgery and repair will get performed by a general surgeon.
What you should know about inguinal hernias?
- Vomiting or nausea or both
- A fever
- Intensifying pain
- A bulge/mass that becomes noticeably darker or that changes color
- Difficulty emitting flatulence or defecating
How to recognize an inguinal hernia?
Part 1 of 4: Recognizing the Symptoms
- Assess your risk factors. Although hernias can happen to anyone, certain factors might put you at a higher risk for herniation.
- Take note of any bulges. A hernia is an imperfection in the muscular container of an organ. ...
- Pay attention to vomiting. ...
- Watch for constipation. ...
- Don't ignore abnormal feelings of fullness. ...
- Keep track of your pain levels. ...
What are the different types of inguinal hernia?
What are the different types of hernias?
- Inguinal hernia. An inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia. ...
- Femoral hernia. A femoral hernia may occur when tissue in the abdomen pushes through a weak area or tear in the abdominal wall, resulting in a bulge in the ...
- Umbilical hernia. ...
- Incisional hernia. ...
- Epigastric hernia. ...
How do you fix a indirect inguinal hernia?
Inguinal hernias can be repaired using surgery to push the bulge back into place and strengthen the weakness in the abdominal wall. The operation is usually recommended if you have a hernia that causes pain, severe or persistent symptoms, or if any serious complications develop.
Who gets indirect inguinal hernias?
The incidence of inguinal hernias has a bimodal distribution, with peaks around age 5 and after age 70. Two-thirds of these hernias are indirect, making an indirect hernia the most common groin hernia in both males and females. Males account for about 90% of all inguinal hernias and females about 10%.
How serious is an indirect inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia isn't necessarily dangerous. It doesn't improve on its own, however, and can lead to life-threatening complications. Your doctor is likely to recommend surgery to fix an inguinal hernia that's painful or enlarging. Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical procedure.
What is the main cause of inguinal hernia?
What causes inguinal hernias? A weak area in the muscles and connective tissue of the lower abdominal wall at the inguinal canal allows an inguinal hernia to develop. A hernia can form in different ways, causing two types of hernias.
Which is worse direct or indirect hernia?
An indirect hernia may also cause bowel obstruction if it slips into the inguinal ring and becomes swollen in the abdomen. This condition can worsen into a phase known as “strangulation,” which can affect blood flow in the intestines. A direct hernia is less likely to cause strangulation of the bowel.
What should you not do with an inguinal hernia?
Wise ChoicesAvoid heavy lifting when you can. Lifting puts stress on the groin.When you must lift, don't bend over. Lift objects by using the legs, not the back.Eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water. This helps prevent constipation and straining during bowel movements.Maintain a healthy body weight.
Is walking good for inguinal hernia?
If you have had surgery for inguinal hernia, it is important to follow all your doctor's instructions and keep your follow-up appointments. Getting out of bed and walking is an important part of recovery and helps prevent complications.
How long can you live with inguinal hernia?
Based on epidemiological data, approximately 20% of patients with a painless inguinal hernia will live many years prior to worsening symptoms or urgent need for surgery. The reason to fix the hernia is increasing discomfort, pain, or hernia enlargement (surgery will end these symptoms).
Is indirect inguinal hernia hereditary?
As mentioned above, being male is a risk factor for an indirect inguinal hernia. There is certainly a hereditary component to indirect inguinal hernias. Sometimes the patient will have a father, brother, or uncle that also had an inguinal hernia.
What are some warning signs of an inguinal hernia?
What are the symptoms of an inguinal hernia?A bulge in your groin area on either side of your pubic bone. ... A feeling of pressure or heaviness in your groin.Pain in your groin, especially when straining, lifting, coughing or bending over.More items...•
Can an inguinal hernia heal itself?
The hernia won't heal on its own. If your hernia does not bother you, most likely you can wait to have surgery. Your hernia may get worse, but it may not. Over time, hernias tend to get bigger as the muscle wall of the belly gets weaker and more tissue bulges through.
How long is recovery from inguinal hernia surgery?
You should also be able to return to work after 1 or 2 weeks, although you may need more time off if your job involves manual labour. Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help the healing process, but you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for about 4 to 6 weeks.
Can adults get indirect inguinal hernias?
Indirect inguinal hernia. Although it can occur in men and women, it is much more common in men. This is because the male testicle starts inside the abdomen and has to go down through an opening in the groin area to reach the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles).
Is indirect inguinal hernia hereditary?
As mentioned above, being male is a risk factor for an indirect inguinal hernia. There is certainly a hereditary component to indirect inguinal hernias. Sometimes the patient will have a father, brother, or uncle that also had an inguinal hernia.
Can females get indirect inguinal hernias?
In females, an indirect inguinal hernia is caused by the female organs or the small intestine sliding into the groin through a weakness in the abdominal wall. Indirect hernias are the most common type of inguinal hernia.
Are direct or indirect inguinal hernias more common?
Indirect hernias are the most common type of inguinal hernia. Although they occur in both sexes, they are more more common in males than females .
What is an indirect hernia?
Indirect hernias are located near the groin and occur when abdominal contents, such as the intestines, pass through an opening into a channel called the inguinal canal.
How to treat a hernia?
Treatment may first involve clinical observation for a period of time followed by surgery in order to fully resolve the hernia. A physician is needed to determine the course of treatment. A hernia reduction will be attempted, meaning that the bulging loop of intestine will be carefully pushed back, if possible.
What is the procedure to repair a hernia?
Laparoscopic surgery: This involves small incisions in the abdomen or groin area. A small camera, as well as surgical instruments, are passed through the incisions to repair the hernia. The surgeon may place a piece of mesh over the opening of the hernia to prevent it from reforming.
What is a hernia in sports?
A sports hernia is a painful, soft tissue injury that occurs in the groin area and occurs during sports that require sudden changes of direction or intense twisting movements.
What causes groin pain?
Pain in the groin can occur in athletes from muscle strains or tears in the tendon. Nerve damage and compression can also cause groin pain.
Where are hernias located?
Hernias occur when an organ protrudes through part of the abdominal / pelvic wall that normally contains it. Indirect hernias are located near the groin and occur when abdominal contents, such as the intestines, pass through an opening into a channel called the inguinal canal. Symptoms include a bulge in the groin that may become more prominent ...
How long does it take for a hernia to be strangulated?
People with indirect hernias that become strangulated need to undergo emergency surgery within four to six hours to prevent permanent damage to the bowel (bowel infarction) that is trapped within the hernia. There are a number of surgical options for treating indirect hernias:
Why do inguinal hernias develop?
Other inguinal hernias develop later in life when muscles weaken or deteriorate due to aging, strenuous physical activity or coughing that accompanies smoking. Weaknesses can also occur in the abdominal wall later in life, especially after an injury or abdominal surgery.
Where do hernias occur?
Inguinal hernias occur when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity (omentum) or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen — often along the inguinal canal, which carries the spermatic cord in men.
What happens if you don't push a hernia in?
If you aren't able to push the hernia in, the contents of the hernia may be trapped (incarcerated) in the abdominal wall. An incarcerated hernia can become strangulated, which cuts off the blood flow to the tissue that's trapped. A strangulated hernia can be life-threatening if it isn't treated.
How do you know if you have an inguinal hernia?
Inguinal hernia signs and symptoms include: A bulge in the area on either side of your pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when you're upright, especially if you cough or strain. A burning or aching sensation at the bulge. Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting.
What is the term for a hernia in the abdomen?
Close. Inguinal hernia. Inguinal hernia. Inguinal hernias occur when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity (omentum) or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen — often along the inguinal canal, which carries the spermatic cord in men. An inguinal her nia occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, ...
Why do babies have hernias?
Inguinal hernias in newborns and children result from a weakness in the abdominal wall that's present at birth. Sometimes the hernia will be visible only when an infant is crying, coughing or straining during a bowel movement. He or she might be irritable and have less appetite than usual.
What to do if a hernia bulge turns red?
Seek immediate care if a hernia bulge turns red, purple or dark or if you notice any other signs or symptoms of a strangulated hernia.
What is indirect hernia?
An indirect inguinal hernia is the most common type. It often occurs in premature births, before the inguinal canal becomes closed off. However, this type of hernia can occur at any time during your life. This condition is most common in males.
Where is an inguinal hernia?
What is an inguinal hernia? An inguinal hernia occurs in the abdomen near the groin area. They develop when fatty or intestinal tissues push through a weakness in the abdominal wall near the right or left inguinal canal. Each inguinal canal resides at the base of the abdomen. Both men and woman have inguinal canals.
What happens when tissue gets stuck in the groin?
An incarcerated inguinal hernia happens when tissue becomes stuck in the groin and isn’t reducible. This means it can’t be pushed back into place.
How to diagnose an inguinal hernia?
Your doctor can usually diagnose an inguinal hernia during a physical exam. During the exam, your doctor will ask you to cough while standing so they can check the hernia when it’s most noticeable.
What is the best treatment for an inguinal hernia?
Treating inguinal hernias. Surgery is the primary treatment for inguinal hernias. It’s a very common operation and a highly successful procedure when done by a well-trained surgeon. Options include either an open inguinal herniorrhaphy or laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy.
What does it feel like to have a hernia in your groin?
They cause bulges along the pubic or groin area that can appear to increase in size when you stand up or cough. This type of hernia may be painful or sensitive to the touch. Other symptoms may include: pain when coughing, exercising, or bending over. burning sensations. sharp pain. a heavy or full sensation in the groin.
Where is the inguinal herniorrhaphy made?
In open inguinal herniorrhaphy, one larger incision is made over the abdomen near the groin. In laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy, multiple smaller abdominal incisions are made. A long, thin tube with a lighted camera on the end helps the surgeon see inside your body to perform the surgery.
What is the most common type of inguinal hernia?
Indirect hernias are the most common type of inguinal hernia. Although they occur in both sexes, they are more more common in males than females.
Why does my inguinal canal hurt?
Aging and stress or strain can weaken the muscles around the inguinal canal. Previous surgery in the lower abdomen can also weaken the muscles there. It is much less common for females to develop a direct hernia.
How often should you have an inguinal hernia surgery?
undergoing the operation every year. Surgery does not always have to be immediate, but if an inguinal hernia is discovered, it must be monitored closely by a doctor to see if the symptoms get worse. If the tissue of the hernia becomes trapped or incarcerated, then surgery will be more urgent.
How common is a hernia in men?
Most common in children, it affects up to 5 percent of newborns and up to 30 percent of premature babies. Often, it is discovered in the first year of life but can remain undetected until adulthood. Inguinal hernias are up to 10 times more more common in men than women and one in four men will develop a hernia at some point in their life.
What happens when the inguinal canal fails to close?
When the inguinal canal opening fails to close completely by the time of birth, this allows a portion of fat or intestine to slip through and cause an indirect hernia.
How many types of inguinal hernias are there?
There are two types of inguinal hernias:
How many premature babies have an indirect hernia?
Indirect hernia. Share on Pinterest. Indirect hernias affect up to 30 percent of premature babies. While a fetus is still in the womb, there is an internal opening to the inguinal canal, but this usually closes before birth.
Why are inguinal hernias more common in later life?
Hernias can be on one or both sides of the abdomen. Direct inguinal hernias are more common later in life because the abdominal wall weakens with age.
How do you repair an inguinal hernia?
There are 3 types of inguinal hernia repair: Open hernia repair: A surgical procedure in which an incision, or cut, is made in the groin. The surgeon then pushes the hernia back into the abdomen and strengthens the abdominal wall with mesh and stitches.
What is the term for a bulging muscle in the abdomen?
A hernia is a common condition in which part of an internal organ or tissue bulges through a muscle. An inguinal hernia occurs when the intestines or fat from the abdomen bulge through the lower abdominal wall into the inguinal, or groin, area. Symptoms and treatments are described in this article. Appointments & Access.
How many types of inguinal hernias are there?
There are 2 types of inguinal hernias:
What to do if you suspect an inguinal hernia?
If you suspect you or your child has an inguinal hernia, you should seek medical attention. If it is not treated, an inguinal hernia can develop into a serious condition.
What is robotic hernia repair?
Robotic hernia repair: Like laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery uses a laparoscope, and is performed in the same manner (small incisions, a tiny camera and projecting the inside of the abdomen onto television screens).
What is the best way to check for a hernia?
An abdominal X-ray or CT scan may be ordered to look for a hernia and determine if it is strangulated or incarcerated.
What is an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia is a bulging of the contents of the abdomen through a weak area in the lower abdominal wall. Inguinal hernias can occur at either of two passages through the lower abdominal wall, one on each side of the groin. These passages are called inguinal canals. Inguinal hernias can also occur through two deeper passages in the groin called the femoral canals. Hernias through these passages are also known as femoral hernias.
What are the complications of inguinal hernias?
Inguinal hernias may become stuck, or incarcerated, meaning the contents of the hernia that bulge through the abdominal wall cannot be massaged back inside the abdominal wall.
How do doctors diagnose inguinal hernias?
To diagnose an inguinal hernia, your doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical exam. In some cases, doctors also order imaging tests.
What are the risks of hernia surgery?
Surgery to repair an inguinal hernia is quite safe. However, possible complications of hernia surgery include
What happens if a hernia is stuck outside the abdominal wall?
If a hernia becomes stuck outside the abdominal wall, it may become strangulated, meaning the blood flow to the hernia is cut off. Lack of blood flow can cause the death of tissues inside the hernia.
What part of the peritoneum is the inguinal hernia?
Inguinal hernias most often contain fat or part of the small intestine. In girls or women, inguinal hernias may contain part of the female reproductive system, such as an ovary. When an inguinal hernia occurs, part of the peritoneum—the lining of the abdominal cavity—bulges through the abdominal wall and forms a sac around the hernia.
How common are inguinal hernias?
Inguinal hernias are more common in certain age groups. Among adults, the chance of having an inguinal hernia increases with age, and inguinal hernias are most common in people ages of 75 to 80. 2. Among children, inguinal hernias are most common in those between the ages of 0 and 5 years. 2. Among infants, inguinal hernias are more common in ...
What causes inguinal hernia?
Sometimes, inguinal hernias may have no known cause. In other cases, it may occur due to
How to tell if you have an inguinal hernia?
Inguinal hernia signs and symptoms include: A bulge on either side of the pubic bone, more commonly on the right side. Bulge becomes more prominent, especially while coughing or straining. Pain or discomfort at the site of the bulge. The feeling of heaviness or a dragging sensation in the groin.
Why does my stomach slide up into the esophagus?
Hiatal hernia is a condition in which a thin membrane of tissue connects the esophagus with the diaphragm becomes week, and a portion of the stomach slides up into the esophagus. Causes include obesity, pregnancy, straining during a bowel movement, aging, and ascites. There are generally no symptoms of a hiatal hernia, and it is discovered during another medical procedure to test for GERD, or other swallowing problems.
What is a hernia in the body?
A hernia is when part of a tissue or an organ bulges through a weak point in the body. There are various types of hernias occurring in different parts of the body. An inguinal hernia occurs when part of the intestine or surrounding fat and structures bulge through a weak point in the lower abdominal wall. Sometimes, lower abdominal organs such as ...
Why do babies have hernias?
Inguinal hernias in newborns and children occur due to weakness in the abdominal wall that's present at birth. A hernia may be visible only while crying, coughing, or straining during bowel movements. Infants may be irritable and may not eat properly.
What is the procedure for a hernia repair?
There are two general types of hernia surgeries—open hernia repair and laparoscopic repair. Open hernia repair: An incision is made in the groin, and the contents of the hernia are pushed back into the abdomen. The weakened area in the abdominal wall is usually reinforced with a synthetic mesh.
How long does it take to recover from a hernia surgery?
It may take several weeks to fully recover and resume normal activities. Laparoscopic hernia repair: This is a minimally invasive procedure. Several small incisions are made over the abdomen through which a laparoscope (a small tube with a light source and camera) and surgical instruments are inserted.
When does an indirect hernia occur?
An indirect hernia usually first occurs in infancy. That’s because it’s often a congenital condition. An indirect hernia in an infant may be most noticeable when the baby is crying. A direct hernia almost always develops in adulthood, usually later in life, unless the problem is the result of a specific injury.
How to reduce the risk of a hernia?
Lose weight if you’re overweight or obese. Weight loss won’t eliminate your risk of a hernia, but it will ease the strain on your abdominal muscles.
What is the most common type of hernia?
Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia. They form when there’s a thin spot on your abdominal wall.
What is the procedure called when a hernia is removed?
Laparoscopic surgery is a growing option for many types of abdominal surgeries, including hernia operations. A doctor uses special instruments that can be inserted through a few small incisions. One of the instruments is a tiny camera that allows the surgeon to see the hernia and treat it.
How is a hernia repaired?
In adults, open surgery is often done to repair a direct hernia. A large incision is made and the hernia is moved back into place. The abdominal wall is repaired, sometimes with a small mesh device that provides added strength to the affected wall.
Why do my intestines tear?
A direct hernia is usually caused when the wall of the abdominal muscles becomes weak. That allows a portion of the intestine to push through the abdominal wall. This weakening can develop over time, due to everyday activities and aging. In some cases, improperly lifting something heavy can put extra pressure on those muscles, allowing them to weaken and tear.
How long does it take to recover from a hernia surgery?
Surgeries to repair hernias are common and have high success rates, so you should expect a full recovery. It may be several weeks before you’re back doing all your usual activities.
What are the risks of an inguinal hernia?
Other risk factors include smoking, advanced age, and obesity. An incarcerated inguinal hernia may present with a bulge in the groin area, pain, or nausea and vomiting. After a physical exam, an ultrasound is usually performed to confirm diagnosis. Surgery is often required to minimize complications and reduce the hernia.
How to diagnose an inguinal hernia?
In order to diagnose an incarcerated inguinal hernia, one must undergo a review of medical history and physical examination. Some incarcerated hernia symptoms are similar to testicular torsion symptoms, which may be evaluated simultaneously to determine the true diagnosis. An incarcerated hernia may be more likely if there are fluid or bowel sounds in the groin region. An ultrasound may also be used to confirm a diagnosis and to clarify whether the hernia is on only one side. If an ultrasound is inconclusive, a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used. Some laboratory studies, such as a complete blood count, may be conducted to assess the occurrence of any complications.
What is an incarcerated inguinal hernia?
An incarcerated inguinal hernia is a type of hernia in which a part of the small bowel (i.e. small intestine) protrudes into the groin area and cannot be pushed back in. This is a specific type of inguinal hernia, which more generally refers to the protrusion of organs through a weakened area of the abdominal wall in the groin area or through an incomplete closure of the deep inguinal ring.
How do you tell if a hernia is incarcerated?
A hernia is considered incarcerated if the hernia cannot be massaged back into the original cavity. Incarcerated inguinal hernias usually cause swelling in the groin region, and some may show redness. If bowel obstruction has occurred, some additional symptoms may include sudden onset of pain, lack of appetite, irritability, and nausea or vomiting.
What are the most important facts to know about an incarcerated inguinal hernia?
An incarcerated inguinal hernia occurs when part of an organ protrudes into the groin region and cannot be massaged back into its respective cavity. Incarcerated hernias are often an emergency, and prompt treatment is necessary in order to avoid complications such as strangulation. Incarcerated inguinal hernias are caused by a weakened abdominal wall lining or incomplete deep inguinal ring closure, and they are often exasperated by pressure on the abdominal cavity. Other risk factors include smoking, advanced age, and obesity. An incarcerated inguinal hernia may present with a bulge in the groin area, pain, or nausea and vomiting. After a physical exam, an ultrasound is usually performed to confirm diagnosis. Surgery is often required to minimize complications and reduce the hernia .
What is the difference between incarcerated and strangulated hernias?
An incarcerated hernia can lead to strangulation, which occurs when blood stops flowing in the herniated tissue. Strangulation can also occur from other causes, such as twisting of the bowels. Signs and symptoms of strangulation include fever, severe pain, nausea, high counts of white blood cells, tenderness around the hernia, and low blood pressure. The hernia itself may appear warm, tender, or discolored due to the decreased blood flow and lack of oxygen. Additionally, a strangulated inguinal hernia will no longer produce audible bowel sounds in the groin region.
How to treat an inguinal hernia in a prison?
Incarcerated inguinal hernias are usually treated by emergency surgery. Individuals will be assessed for signs of strangulation, which requires surgical repair. If there are no signs of strangulation, a person may be placed in the Trendelenburg position, lying on their back with the table tilted downwards so the feet are raised and the head is lowered. Reduction will then be attempted, in which a clinician will put pressure on the hernia to guide the contents back through the inguinal ring. Some sedation may be used in this process. If reduction is not successful, immediate surgery may be conducted. Children often require referrals for emergency surgery even before incarceration occurs because they have a high propensity for recurrence. Surgical approaches may vary and are generally categorized as open or laparoscopic repairs. After surgery, some people may experience chronic pain, and few may have a recurrence of an inguinal hernia.
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
- Factors that contribute to developing an inguinal hernia include: 1. Being male.Men are eight times more likely to develop an inguinal hernia than are women. 2. Being older.Muscles weaken as you age. 3. Being white. 4. Family history.You have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has the condition. 5. Chronic cough,such as from smoking...
Complications
Prevention