Symptoms
Causes
Prevention
Complications
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.
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.
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 many types of inguinal hernias are there?
There are 2 types of inguinal hernias:
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 a direct inguinal hernia?
Direct inguinal hernia. This type of hernia is caused by weakening of your abdominal muscles over time and is more likely to be seen in adults. Direct inguinal hernias occur only in men.
How to keep an inguinal hernia from coming back?
You can help to keep an inguinal hernia from coming back after surgery by avoiding heavy lifting and other strenuous activity. Ask your doctor what types of activities are safe and when you can return to work.
What to do if your inguinal hernia is getting worse?
Call your doctor if your inguinal hernia symptoms get worse, and always call right away if: You have a painful bulge that can't be pushed back inside. You have increasing pain, swelling, or redness. You have nausea, fever, or vomiting along with hernia pain.
How to repair a hernia in the groin?
Open repair. An incision is made through the skin in the groin area. The surgeon moves the hernia back inside the abdomen and closes the abdominal wall with stitches. Sometimes, if the opening is large, the surgeon may use a synthetic (manufactured) mesh to strengthen the closure. Laparoscopy.
What is an inguinal hernia that can't be moved back into the abdomen called?
An inguinal hernia that can't be moved back into the abdomen is called an incarcerated hernia. This is a dangerous situation because the part of your intestine inside the hernia can become strangulated, which is a medical emergency. Symptoms of a strangulated inguinal hernia include:
How does an inguinal hernia develop?
An inguinal hernia can also develop over time if you increase pressure on the walls of your abdominal muscles through activities like straining to go to the bathroom, coughing over a long period, being overweight, or lifting heavy weights.
What are the two types of inguinal hernias?
Types of inguinal hernia. Inguinal hernias come in two types: Indirect inguinal hernia. This is the most common type, and a type of hernia that you may be born with. Although it can occur in men and women, it is much more common in men.
How to recover from inguinal hernia surgery?
Strengthening your limbs can make a big difference in post-operative recovery from inguinal hernia surgery. For this exercise, you will need light weights. If you don't have dumbbells around, you can use two cans of food from your pantry.
Where does an inguinal hernia occur?
Inguinal hernia happens when tissue from your intestine or the membrane that lines your abdominal cavity pokes through a weak area in your abdominal muscles near your groin.
Can heavy lifting cause an inguinal hernia?
Because strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting can cause inguinal hernia, you should go about these exercises carefully. They may cause some discomfort, but they are not meant to inflict any pain.
How to prevent a hernia from getting weak?
You can strengthen the core muscles by exercising regularly. The right exercises prevent the muscles and tissues from getting weak. Some of the common exercises that can prevent a hernia are-. -Single leg squats.
How to prevent hernias in the body?
Before Working Out, Warm Up. The body needs to be prepared before an intense workout. Warming up for a couple of minutes before your workout can decrease the risk of a hernia. Start with the low-intensity then gradually move to your exercise routine.
What To Do When a Hernia Develops?
It’s a possibility that even after maintaining a healthy lifestyle as well as following a proper diet plan , a hernia develops. So the question pops in the mind, “What to do in when a hernia develops?”. Unfortunately, there’s little you can do when a hernia develops. In addition to watchful waiting, some doctors recommend some tips that prevent the hernia from getting worse.
How to get rid of a hernia in the stomach?
The best way to lower the risk of hernia is working on strengthening the weak abdominal muscles. You can try yoga asanas that involve stretching of the stomach muscles.
Why is it so hard to get a hernia?
This is so because of the abdominal wall that puts constant pressure from the extra weight whenever you stand or move around. Getting into good shape is rather too difficult. It requires constant motivation and will.
What is the most common type of hernia?
The most common type of hernia that occurs in men is- inguinal and umbilical her nia. Adults can reduce the risk of hernia by not putting extra pressure on the abdomen.
Can you get a hernia from lifting heavy weights?
Maintain Good Posture While Heavy Lifting. A hernia can result due to sudden lifting of heavyweights. Practically speaking, it is not possible to completely avoid lifting heavyweights. So when you need to lift a heavy object, do it correctly. Here are a few reminders to keep in mind before lifting heavyweights-.
How to diagnose an inguinal hernia?
A physical exam is usually all that's needed to diagnose an inguinal hernia. Your doctor will check for a bulge in the groin area. Because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent, you'll likely be asked to stand and cough or strain.
How to treat a small hernia?
Treatment. If your hernia is small and isn't bothering you, your doctor might recommend watchful waiting. Sometimes, wearing a supportive truss may help relieve symptoms, but check with your doctor first because it's important that the truss fits properly, and is being used appropriately. In children, the doctor might try applying manual pressure ...
How does an open hernia repair work?
In this procedure, which might be done with local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision in your groin and pushes the protruding tissue back into your abdomen. The surgeon then sews the weakened area, often reinforcing it with a synthetic mesh (hernioplasty).
How does a hernia surgery work?
The surgeon may use laparoscopic or robotic instruments to repair your hernia. Gas is used to inflate your abdomen to make the internal organs easier to see.
Why do you need surgery for a hernia?
Enlarging or painful hernias usually require surgery to relieve discomfort and prevent serious complications.
Can a minimally invasive hernia repair be done?
People who have a minimally invasive repair might have less discomfort and scarring after surgery and a quicker return to normal activities. Long-term results of laparoscopic and open hernia surgeries are comparable.
Can a hernia recur after surgery?
Minimally invasive hernia surgery allows the surgeon to avoid scar tissue from an earlier hernia repair, so it might be a good choice for people whose hernias recur after open hernia surgery. It also might be a good choice for people with hernias on both sides of the body (bilateral).
How to prevent an inguinal hernia?
Steps that may help prevent an inguinal hernia include the following: Maintain a healthy body weight. When you’re overweight or obese, your abdominal wall is constantly under pressure from your extra body fat whenever you stand or move around.
Why do inguinal hernias develop?
Like all hernias, inguinal hernias develop due to a combination of muscle weakness and pressure inside the abdomen. ( 2) There’s not a lot you can do to avoid the type of muscle weakness that lead to hernias, but there are steps you can take to reduce pressure in your abdomen. Steps that may help prevent an inguinal hernia include the following: ...
What Are the Symptoms of a Hernia, and How Is It Diagnosed?
Symptoms of a hernia can range from slightly uncomfortable to extremely painful.
How long does it take for an incisional hernia to heal?
It most commonly develops three to six months after abdominal surgery, when your abdomen is healing from the incision. ( 4)
What is an external hernia?
This is called an external hernia, and it usually affects the lower abdomen and groin. Each type of hernia has different causes, which means that the steps you can take to prevent them will also be somewhat different. Not all hernias, though, are preventable.
How to prevent hernia from straining?
Incorporate high-fiber foods into your diet. Fiber-rich foods can support regular bowel movements and help prevent constipation, which can lead to straining that increases your hernia risk. Foods that may help in this area include: Fruits. Vegetables.
What exercises can cause a hernia to tear?
Beneficial exercises may include: Activities to avoid include jumping exercises and squats, both of which can increase pressure on your abdominal wall. Fast movements can also lead to muscle tearing. Any type of exercise than involves very high levels of exertion can also increase your hernia risk.
What is the most common hernia in both sexes?
Depends: I'm not sure what a regular hernia is. An inguinal hernia is a groin hernia. It is the most common hernia in both sexes. Other common hernias are umbilical hernias and incisional or ventral hernias.
How long does it take for a hernia to grow?
Yes : Enlargement of a hernia is very common, and usually occurs on a timeframe of months to years. A consultation with a general surgeon may help give you more info. Hope this helps!
Can a hernia be incarcerated?
Yes .: A hernia is said to be incarcerated when a structure within the abdominal cavity gets "stuck" within the hernia. If this happens to be a loop of intestine, this can cause blockage and lead to the blood supply of the intestine being cut-off; we call this a strangulated hernia. If one has a large, tender lump in the groin that cannot be pushed back in, this requires emergency md attention.
Can a person with an inguinal hernia walk upright?
No: All people are at risk for inguinal hernias. It is a consequence of a four legged animal body design coming to walk upright. There are risk factors, but even sedentary people can develop them. If you are concerned, you should see your doctor and be examined.
Can a hernia be a bowel?
YES: A hernia is an organ (usually bowel) that is not on its usual anatomical location. The majority of the time, this is from a weakness in muscles that help it stay there. As muscles continue to weaken & there is continued pressure the hernia can get larger. Risks are: advanced age, obesity, heavy lifting, even chronic cough or straining to urinate since there is an increase intrabdomen pressure.
Can inguinal hernia get larger?
Yes. Get evaluated.: If the weakening of the abdominal wall allowing the hernia to bulge worsens, the hernia can get larger. The bulge is caused by small intestine that has slid into the bulging hernia sac. A hernia repair is indicated if there is significant bother, pain, or increased risk of incarceration (where the intestine is stuck), or strangulation (the intestine loses blood flow and becomes non-viable).
How to treat an inguinal hernia?
Ginger root. This is a natural remedy for an inguinal hernia. Ginger root can alleviate the pain in the abdomen and prevent a gastric buildup in the stomach and esophagus thereby, lowering the risk of acid reflux. You can add ginger in tea or boil it in water.
Why do people skip surgery for inguinal hernia?
A majority of people skip the option of surgery for the fear of any mishap that might follow. Also read: Life-saving facts about inguinal hernia.
How to prevent hernia from popping?
To prevent external force on the hernia, one can hold the hernia with hand. Not only it prevents extra force but it also prevents another one from popping on the other side.
How to treat a hernia without surgery?
This is a very effective way to treat hernia without surgery. Moreover, drink plenty of water and fresh juices made with aloe vera, carrot and cabbage to reduce the chances of acid reflux and heartburn. Also Read: Effective Diet Tips for Hernia Patients.
How to keep a hernia from getting displaced?
It is important that you maintain a healthy weight to ensure a steady supply of oxygenated blood to the body so the hernia doesn’t get displaced from its original position. A healthy weight can be maintained by regularly exercising or practicing yoga.
How to treat a hernia in the groin?
Apply some ice. Some of the common symptoms of hernia such as swelling, redness, pain in the abdomen or groin can be soothed out with applying an ice pack. Hence next time you have any of the above symptoms, apply an ice pack directly to the affected area for pain relief, reducing contraction, bloating and inflammation.
What prevents hernia from moving to its original place?
The belt, as well as the trusses, prevents the hernia from moving to its original place. They bind the hernia and remain intact in its place. This is a temporary solution to the inguinal hernia, so leaving it untreated is not wise.
What to do if you think you have a hernia?
If you think you may have a hernia, talk with your doctor. And check out the tips in Wise Choices for how to keep a hernia from getting worse. Keep in mind that anyone with sudden pain in the groin should immediately seek medical help.
Why do we need surgery for hernia?
Surgery is usually needed if the intestine is trapped— and emergency surgery if it’s strangulated. A hernia is one of the most common reasons for surgery in the United States. “It’s a successful and low-risk procedure done about 800,000 times a year in the United States,” Andersen says.
How to tell if you have a hernia in your abdomen?
The groin region is the lower abdomen. The first sign of a hernia is a small bulge from the lower abdomen. You may notice it only when you stand up, cough, jump, or strain.
How do you know if you have a hernia?
The first sign of a hernia is a small bulge from the lower abdomen. You may notice it only when you stand up, cough, jump, or strain. That’s because those activities increase the pressure within your abdomen. That increased pressure can make a part of your intestine pop out of an area of weakness.
What happens if you have a weak intestine?
The muscles keep your intestine in place. But if there’s a weak spot, the intestine can push through and form a hernia. A person may be born with a weakness there, or the weakness may develop over time later in life.
Can a hernia go away when you lie down?
When you lie down, the bulge may go away . If you think you may have a hernia, ask your doctor. A doctor can usually detect a hernia during a physical exam. Your doctor can rule out other conditions that cause bulges or lumps.
Can a hernia be massaged back into the abdomen?
If the bulge is very soft, your doctor may be able to massage the intestine back into the abdomen. A small, soft hernia that does not cause pain may not need treatment right away. The doctor may suggest watching and waiting for changes, like pain, to develop. If a hernia is painful or large, your doctor may suggest you see a surgeon for advice.
