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. In men, the testes usually descend through their canal by around a few weeks before birth. In women, each canal is the location of passage for the round ligament of the uterus. If you have a hernia in or near this passageway, it results in a protruding bulge. It may be painful during movement.

What are the Symptoms of 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
A heavy or dragging sensation in your groin
Weakness or pressure in your groin
Occasionally, pain and swelling around the testicles when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum

What are the Causes & risk factors Inguinal Hernia?

There isn’t one cause for this type of hernia. However, weak spots within the abdominal and groin muscles are thought to be a major contributor. Extra pressure on this area of the body can eventually cause a hernia.
Some risk factors can increase your chances of this condition. These include:

Heredity
Having a prior inguinal hernia
Being male
Premature birth
Being overweight or obese
Pregnancy
Cystic Fibrosis
Chronic Cough
Chronic Constipation
Chronic Urinary Straining

Who is more likely to have an Inguinal Hernia?

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.
Among children, inguinal hernias are most common in those between the ages of 0 and 5 years.
Among infants, inguinal hernias are more common in premature infants.
Inguinal hernias are also more common in males, who are 8 to 10 times more likely than women to develop inguinal hernias.
Males who have had prostatectomy.
People with a family history of inguinal hernias.
People who have a lower body mass index (BMI).
People who have connective tissue disorders.

How do doctors treat Inguinal Hernias?

Most people with inguinal hernias will need surgery to repair the hernia. Several different types of open and laparoscopic hernia surgery are available. The type of surgery your doctor recommends may depend on factors such as the size of the hernia and your age, health, and medical history.

1. Open hernia surgery
2. Laparoscopic hernia surgery

What are the risks of Hernia Surgery?

Surgery to repair an Inguinal Hernia is quite safe. However, possible complications of hernia surgery include,

Urinary retention
Infection
Swelling in the area you had surgery due to a buildup of blood, called a hematoma, or a buildup of blood plasma, called a seroma
Chronic or severe pain
Return of the Hernia, which may require another surgery
Serious complications, such as damage to blood vessels or organs, are rare.