Procedures
Inguinal hernia repair is necessary when a loop of the intestine becomes trapped or strangulated; hernias that are painless and able to be pushed back into the abdomen do not require surgical repair unless other problems occur, according to WebMD. Some patients with small hernias may never need surgery.
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Is surgery always necessary to repair an inguinal hernia?
Wearing a hernia belt is probably the most important way to treat inguinal hernia without surgery. Some of you may know that I have developed a hernia belt that I use every day.
What is the best method of inguinal hernia repair?
Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Reducing and Managing Pain
- Take over-the-counter pain meds to help relieve your discomfort. Aspirin and ibuprofen may work well to alleviate some pain and swelling.
- Avoid heartburn-causing foods and large meals if you have a hiatal hernia. ...
- Relieve discomfort from an inguinal hernia with a truss. ...
- Eat a fiber-rich diet to make bowel movements softer and easier to pass. ...
Can an inguinal hernia be healed without surgery?
How to reduce an inguinal hernia?
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How do you treat an inguinal hernia without surgery?
A hernia usually does not go away without surgery. Non-surgical approaches such as wearing a corset, binder, or truss may exert gentle pressure on the hernia and keep it in place. These methods may ease the pain or discomfort and may be used if you are not fit for the surgery or awaiting surgery.
How serious is an 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.
Can a inguinal hernia heal?
Treatment. An inguinal hernia will not heal by itself and does require surgery to be repaired. Initially, the hernia may only be a small lump in the groin but can grow much larger over time. It may also appear to grow and shrink with different activities.
What is the best way to repair inguinal hernia?
During surgery to repair the hernia, the bulging tissue is pushed back in. Your abdominal wall is strengthened and supported with sutures (stitches), and sometimes mesh. This repair can be done with open or laparoscopic surgery. You and your surgeon can discuss which type of surgery is right for you.
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.
What is the best medicine for hernia?
Best medications for a hiatal herniaBest medications for hiatal herniaDrug nameDrug classOTC or RxMaalox (aluminum hydroxide)AntacidOTCTums (calcium carbonate)AntacidOTCPepcid (famotidine)H2 antagonistOTC3 more rows•Oct 5, 2020
What foods should I avoid with an inguinal hernia?
Avoid foods that cause constipation such as dairy products, red meat, processed foods such as pizza, frozen dinners, pasta, sugar products such as cakes, pies, pastries, doughnuts and caffeine and caffeine drinks. Some discomfort, but this should not be excessive. Some swelling and bruising into the scrotal area.
How can I prevent my inguinal hernia from getting worse?
If you have a hernia, try to keep it from getting worse:Avoid 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. ... Maintain a healthy body weight.
Can you live with a inguinal hernia?
Absolutely Yes! If your hernia is not causing pain or discomfort – it is possible to live with your hernia. One must remember that there is a risk of an emergency (incarceration or strangulation) from any hernia. A painless hernia typically (but not always) will start causing discomfort prior to an emergency.
How do I know if my hernia needs surgery?
You may have a hernia if you have swelling and a bulge that is able to be “pushed back” into your abdomen. If it continues to grow, you will need to have hernia surgery in order to repair it....Symptoms include:Nausea.Vomiting.Fever.Intensifying pain.A bulge that turns red or purple.
Can you fix a hernia without surgery?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. While a hernia cannot heal itself, it can almost always be treated effectively with surgery.
Is inguinal hernia surgery necessary?
Not all inguinal hernias need to be repaired, but all hernia repairs require surgery. Small hernias that are not strangulated—blocking blood supply to the intestine—and are causing bowel obstruction or significant pain do not necessarily require surgery or emergency surgical repair.
What is a direct inguinal hernia?
Direct inguinal hernias: This type of hernia usually occurs in adult males. These are most often caused by a weakness in the muscles of the abdominal wall that develops over time, or are due to straining or heavy lifting. Hernias can be on one or both sides of the abdomen.
What is the procedure called for a hernia repair?
Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical procedure. Inguinal hernia surgery is also called herniorrhaphy or hernioplasty. 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.
How does a hernia surgery work?
The surgeon then pushes the hernia back into the abdomen and strengthens the abdominal wall with mesh and stitches. This surgery may be done under local anesthesia for the abdominal area, or general anesthesia in which you will be put to sleep.
What is the name of the hernia that occurs when the intestines or fat from the abdomen bulg
An inguinal hernia occurs when the intestines or fat from the abdomen bulge through the lower abdominal wall into the inguinal, or groin, area. There are 2 types of inguinal hernias: Indirect inguinal hernias: This type of hernia is caused by a birth defect in the abdominal wall that is congenital (present at birth).
How many men have inguinal hernias?
Adult males over age 40 are much more likely to develop direct inguinal hernias than females. About 25% of males, and only about 2% of females, will develop an inguinal hernia in their lifetime.
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 is an inguinal hernia more common?
Direct inguinal hernias are more common later in life because the abdominal wall weakens with age. An inguinal hernia is usually not dangerous. However, it can be painful, especially when lifting, bending, straining with a bowel movement, or coughing. Direct inguinal hernias usually occur in adult males whose abdominal muscles have weakened.
What happens if an inguinal hernia doesn't improve?
The resulting bulge can be painful. And if the inguinal hernia doesn't improve on its own, it can lead to life-threatening complications.
How is a hernia repaired?
In open hernia repair, called a hernioplasty, 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. Then the opening is closed with stitches, staples or surgical glue. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and sedation, or general anesthesia.
Why is laparoscopic surgery important?
The main advantages of laparoscopic hernia repair are lower risk of infection, less postoperative pain, and quicker return to work or normal activities. These advantages are amplified for patients with hernias on both sides of their abdomens or recurrent inguinal hernias. Laparoscopy allows the surgeon to avoid scar tissue from an earlier hernia ...
What is the procedure called when you have a small incision in your abdomen?
Laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that requires general anesthesia. In this procedure, the surgeon operates through several small incisions in your abdomen. A small tube equipped with a tiny camera, called a laparoscope, is inserted into one incision.
Can an inguinal hernia be pushed back?
They can change in size with activity and usually will pop out during strenuous activity or lifting. These hernias usually can be able pushed back. One must lay down flat to accomplish this. Then inguinal hernias can progress to discomfort, ranging from a dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain.
Can a hernia recur after surgery?
Laparoscopy 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. If hernias are left untreated with no symptoms, 75 percent of patients will develop some sort of symptoms in the future.
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 diagnose an inguinal hernia?
Diagnosis. Inguinal hernia is most often diagnosed through a medical history and physical examination. Your doctor will ask you questions about hernia symptoms. During the exam, he or she will look for and feel for a bulge in your groin or scrotal area. You may be asked to stand and cough to make the hernia appear.
How to tell if a hernia is enlarged?
Symptoms. The main symptom is a visible bulge in your groin area. In men, an inguinal hernia may extend down into the scrotum and cause an enlarged scrotum. Small hernias may slide back and forth through the opening in the abdomen and not cause any symptoms. Larger hernias may be massaged back into the abdomen.
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.
What does it feel like to have a hernia that goes back and forth?
Sudden pain in your groin or scrotum when exercising or straining. A feeling of weakness, pressure, burning, or aching in your groin or scrotum. An inguinal hernia that can't be moved back into ...
Why do inguinal hernias occur?
Inguinal hernias occur because of a weakening of the muscles in the lower abdomen. Three layers protect the intestines inside the lower abdomen. The first is a thin membrane called the peritoneum. The second is made up of the abdominal muscles, and the third is your skin. An inguinal hernia forms when your intestines and ...
What happens if you don't treat an inguinal hernia?
Inguinal Hernia Complications. If you don’t treat an inguinal hernia it could lead to problems like: Pressure and pain on the surrounding areas. Most inguinal hernias get larger over time if you don’t fix them with surgery. In men, large hernias can bulge down into the scrotum, causing swelling and pain.
What to eat to help with an inguinal hernia?
If you have an inguinal hernia, a high-fiber diet with plenty of veggies, fresh fruits, and whole grains may help you avoid constipation, which can lead to painful symptoms. Surgery is the only way to fix an inguinal hernia.
What is the name of the canal in the lower abdomen?
It’s named for the inguinal canal. That's a passage in your lower abdominal wall that houses blood vessels and nerves. It’s home to the spermatic cord in a man, and to ligaments that support a woman’s uterus. An inguinal hernia could be a serious health problem, so don't ignore symptoms like a pain in your groin when you cough or lift something ...
Why do older adults get hernias?
Older adults usually get a direct inguinal hernia because the muscles of their abdominal wall can weaken. Women rarely have this type of hernia. The broad ligament of the uterus is right behind the abdominal wall, which supports it and shields the inguinal canal.
What is it called when a hernia cuts off blood flow to the intestine?
Strangulated hernia. When an incarcerated hernia cuts off the blood flow to part of your intestine, it’s called strangulation. This could lead to death of the affected bowel tissue. This situation is life-threatening and requires surgery immediately. Inguinal Hernia Prevention.
What is the condition where the protrusion of a hernia gets trapped in the weak point of the
Incarcerated hernia. This happens when the protrusion (and contents) of the hernia get trapped in the weak point of your abdominal wall. It can cause bowel obstruction, with severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and the inability to have bowel movements. Strangulated hernia.
How do you know if you have an inguinal hernia?
Inguinal Hernia Signs and Symptoms. You could have a direct inguinal hernia if you: Hurt when you cough, bend, or lift something heavy. Feel pressure, weakness, heaviness, or a dragging sensation in your groin. Have swelling around your testicles.
What is an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia happens when part of the intestine bulges through the abdominal wall in the groin area. In children, mostly boys, this happens when the abdominal wall has a weakness present at birth. Surgery can correct the hernia.
Why do inguinal hernias occur?
Inguinal hernias in children result from a weakness in the abdominal wall that is present at birth. The bulge in the groin might only be noticed when the child is crying, coughing, or straining during a bowel movement, ...
Why do babies have a bulge in their groin?
The bulge in the groin might only be noticed when the child is crying, coughing, or straining during a bowel movement, or it might appear to be larger during these times. Of the newborns who have inguinal hernias, 90% are boys. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
Where is the small incision in the groin?
A small incision, or cut, (from 2 to 3 cm.) is made in the skin fold of the groin. The hernia "sac" containing the bulging small intestine is identified. The surgeon pushes the intestine inside the hernia sac back into its proper position behind the muscle wall. The hernia sac is removed.
Can a hernia be removed from the groin?
The hernia sac is removed. The muscle wall is reinforced with stitches to prevent another hernia. If your child is younger than 1 year old, the chance that a hernia will develop on the other side of the groin is very high. Repair of both inguinal areas is, therefore, recommended.
Where is the inguinal hernia repaired?
It’s often in or near the groin area. Anybody can get an inguinal hernia, but it’s more common in men than women.
How long does it take to heal an inguinal hernia?
However, if there are complications, you may have to remain in the hospital until they resolve. If you have open surgery, it may take up to six weeks for a full recovery.
How do you know if you have an inguinal hernia?
The symptoms of an inguinal hernia include a bulge in the groin area and pain, pressure, or aching at the bulge, especially when lifting, bending, or coughing. These symptoms usually subside during rest. Men may also have swelling around the testicles.
What are the risk factors for an inguinal hernia?
Some risk factors for inguinal hernia include: fluid or pressure in the abdomen. heavy lifting, such as weightlifting. repetitive straining during urination or bowel movements. obesity. chronic cough. pregnancy. Both adults and children can get inguinal hernias. Men are more likely to develop an inguinal hernia.
Can an inguinal hernia come back?
infection. The following are some of the risks specific to inguinal hernia repair: The hernia may eventually come back. You may experience prolonged pain at the site. There could be damage to blood vessels. In men, the testicles could be harmed if connecting blood vessels are damaged.
Can a hernia bulge cause pain?
Most people find the bulge from a hernia to be painless. Coughing, lifting, and bending might cause pain and discomfort, though. Your doctor may suggest surgery if: your hernia gets larger. pain develops or increases. you have difficulty performing daily activities.
Can you push a hernia back?
You can sometimes gently push back the bulging tissue of a hernia when you lie on your back. You may not notice any symptoms if your inguinal hernia is small. See your doctor if you suspect you might have a hernia.
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.
What are the complications of an inguinal hernia?
Complications of an inguinal hernia include: Pressure on surrounding tissues. Most inguinal hernias enlarge over time if not repaired surgically. In men, large hernias can extend into the scrotum, causing pain and swelling.
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, ...
How to tell if you have a bulge in your groin?
See your doctor if you have a painful or noticeable bulge in your groin on either side of your pubic bone. The bulge is likely to be more noticeable when you're standing, and you usually can feel it if you put your hand directly over the affected area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to get rid of a hernia?
Simple lifestyle changes, exercise, and some natural remedies can help in getting relief from the symptoms of a hernia. Some of the remedies that can skip the hassle and pain of undergoing a hernia repair are discussed below-.
