2023-10-07 12:00:00
Inguinal hernia is most of the time not serious, but it can sometimes be disabling and in some cases prevent a normal life. Explanations.
Generally speaking, a hernia is caused when organs or parts of organs move through a natural opening in the body. When this manifests itself in the groin, more precisely in the inguinal canal, it is then called inguinal hernia.. Precisely, the inguinal canal is surrounded by muscles of the abdominal wall, but it can relax, which leads to an increase in the diameter of the orifice. As a result, parts of the digestive organs can move towards the inside of the canal. A mass may then become visible in the groin. The tissues involved in this hernia are mainly the peritoneum, a membrane that covers the abdomen, as well as the small intestine. Inguinal hernia is usually present on only one side of the body, although cases of bilateral inguinal hernias can also exist.
Can you live with an inguinal hernia?
Living with an inguinal hernia is possible, under certain conditions. The size of the hernia et the severity of the symptoms are two determining factors.
A small inguinal hernia that does not cause discomfort may not require any intervention. It can be managed by simple medical supervision. In this case, a restraint belt can be proposed to maintain the hernia sac in the abdominal area. Additionally, lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms. For example, avoid carrying heavy loads or performing movements that increase abdominal pressure.
On the other hand, if the symptoms are more severe, surgical intervention should be considered, even if the hernia is small. Indeed, a strangulated hernia, even a small one, may require urgent surgery. It is therefore essential to regularly consult a doctor to monitor the progress of the hernia.
Symptoms of inguinal hernia
An inguinal hernia, characterized by a protrusion in the groin, can sometimes be very painful and significantly hamper the person’s daily life who is affected by it. It is generally more visible when standing and can increase in size when leaning forward, if the subject coughs or if they lift heavy objects, for example. Increased pressure in the abdomen can cause part of the small intestine or colon to come out. This aggravation can become very annoying while walking and cause transit disorders such as the constipation if it worsens and exerts compression on the surrounding tissues. In men, it is sometimes possible to feel pain and swelling in the scrotum as well as around the testicles if the intestine descends through the inguinal opening.
How does inguinal hernia manifest in men?
In men, inguinal hernia can manifest itself in different ways. In fact, she can descend to the bursa of one of the testicles, causing visible and sometimes painful swelling. In some cases, she runs along the spermatic cordwhich may cause discomfort or pain.
Swelling in the groin : This is the most common symptom. The swelling may become greater during certain activities, such as bending over or carrying something heavy.Groin pain : It can be felt during movement or at rest. The pain may also radiate to the testicles.Feeling of heaviness in the groin : This sensation can be present constantly or only following exercise.
It should be noted that this pathology can also be asymptomaticthat is to say without apparent symptoms.
How do the symptoms of inguinal hernia present in women?
In women, inguinal hernia may manifest as a feeling of discomfort in the inguinal area, such as pressure or dull pain. It can also be asymptomatic, that is to say without visible or felt signs. If the hernia enlarges, more pronounced symptoms may appear, particularly during exercise, coughing or at the end of the day. We can cite among them:
Discomfort or pain in the groinA feeling of heavinessThe appearance of a “lump” in the groin.
In cases of a strangulated hernia, symptoms may intensify with persistent pain, nausea and vomiting.
When should you worry regarding an inguinal hernia?
It is essential to remain vigilant regarding the progress of your inguinal hernia. Signs of worsening to watch for include:
Severe pain : An inguinal hernia can become more painful over time, especially during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as heavy lifting or coughing.A growing mass : If the lump in your groin seems to be growing quickly, this is usually a sign that the hernia is getting bigger.Symptoms of intestinal obstruction : Nausea, vomiting, and inability to pass gas or defecate may indicate that the intestine is blocked, which constitutes a medical emergency.A bump that becomes hard or red : If the hernia becomes hard, swollen or red, this may indicate a strangulated hernia, a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention.
If in doubt, do not hesitate to consult your doctor or healthcare professional.
Inguinal hernia: how to get your life back to normal?
The serious complication of inguinal hernia is strangulation, with severe consequences. A hernia thus becomes dangerous when the intestine is trapped and cannot be put back into place manually. Symptoms are usually severe pain, nausea, vomiting and stopped intestinal transit. If blood flow is obstructed, necrosis of intestinal tissues may occur, leading to intestinal obstruction or peritonitis. Urgent surgical intervention is then necessary and it is therefore important to consult a doctor quickly. Most inguinal hernias, however, are reducible, meaning they can be manually placed back into the abdomen.
How not to aggravate an inguinal hernia?
To avoid aggravating an inguinal hernia, it is recommended to adopt certain precautions in your daily life. In particular, it is appropriate to:
Avoid significant physical exertion, such as carrying heavy loads or sudden movements, which can put excessive pressure on the inguinal region. Opt for gentle and progressive gestures. Maintain a healthy weightbecause excess weight can increase pressure on the groin muscles and cause the hernia to worsen. Adopt a balanced diet rich in fiber, to prevent constipation which can increase abdominal pressure. Drinking enough water is also essential.
These measures can help you minimize the risk of complications and live more comfortably with your inguinal hernia.
Is it good to walk with an inguinal hernia?
Walking with an inguinal hernia may be beneficial depending on the level of discomfort felt. Indeed, moderate physical activity such as walking helps strengthen the abdominal muscles, thus limiting the risk of worsening of the hernia. However, it is essential to respect certain precautions:
Moderation : Avoid brisk walks which might put excessive pressure on the inguinal region.Prevention of sudden movements : Avoid any sudden movement that might cause a jolt or shock to the hernia.Monitoring symptoms : Stop walking if you experience severe pain, increased discomfort, or any other unusual symptoms.
Remember that each case is unique and general advice may not apply to everyone. So always talk to your doctor before starting or changing your exercise routine.
Is it obligatory to operate on an inguinal hernia?
Inguinal hernia surgery is not always necessary. Indeed, surgical treatment is generally only offered when the hernia causes significant symptoms or presents a risk of complications. In some cases, non-surgical techniques, such as specific exercises, may be tried to manage the hernia.
However, surgical intervention becomes formal in certain situations, such as:
In case of hernie crurale or irreducible hernia.When the hernia is strangledwhich can lead to intestinal obstruction.For newborns with an inguinal hernia.
It is therefore the doctor who will judge, depending on the patient’s condition and the type of hernia, whether an operation is necessary or not.
How is inguinal hernia surgery carried out?
Inguinal hernia surgery, also called “hernia repair”, generally takes place under General anaesthesia, regional or local, depending on the case. The average duration of the intervention is one hour. The surgeon begins by reducing the hernia, that is, putting its contents (usually part of the intestine) back into the abdominal cavity.
Subsequently, he is responsible for closing the opening in the abdominal wall through which the hernia was exteriorizing. This can be done using different techniques:
The suturewhich consists of sewing up the opening, but which presents a risk of recurrence in the event of further physical effort. reinforcement of the area weakness of the abdominal wall, often by the installation of a synthetic mesh, to avoid recurrence.
The option chosen depends on the patient and the specificity of their hernia. Finally, note that hospitalization is generally short-term: the patient returns in the morning and leaves the same followingnoon, under certain conditions (be accompanied, do not drive, etc.).
Can you drive following inguinal hernia surgery?
Resumption of driving following inguinal hernia surgery is usually possible, however, it depends on several factors. The type of surgery performed, the patient’s state of health and the level of comfort felt while driving are all parameters to take into account.
According to medical advice, a period of downtime is often recommended to allow the body to recover. This period varies from patient to patient, but is generally a few weeks. Additionally, taking certain post-operative medications may affect your ability to drive safely. It is therefore strongly advised to discuss this issue with your doctor before resuming driving. Finally, it is essential to feel comfortable and pain-free when driving, especially during actions such as emergency braking, which can put pressure on the operated area.
Why is inguinal hernia also called groin hernia?
The name “hernia aine“is actually a simplification of the medical term”inguinal hernia“. To understand this name, it is necessary to look at the anatomy of the inguinal region. Indeed, the groin, a common term, refers to the area of the body where the fold between the abdomen and the thigh is located. It is in this precise area that the inguinal hernia develops. The term “inguinal” comes from the Latin “inguinale” which means “groin”. Therefore, the name “hernia aine” is a simple and descriptive way of naming this condition.
Inguinal hernia testicle: how does it manifest?
A testicular inguinal hernia is mainly manifested by the appearance of a lump under the skin, often noticeable in the groin or scrotum. This size can be asymptomatic, that is to say without pain, especially if the hernia is small. On the other hand, if the hernia enlarges, it can cause a embarrassed or a feeling of heaviness.
In some cases, a testicular pain can also be felt, especially if the inguinal hernia runs along the spermatic cord, anatomical structure connecting the abdomen to the testicles. The pain may be increased during physical exertion, such as carrying heavy loads or when coughing.
It is therefore crucial to be alert to these signs and to consult a healthcare professional if in doubt, in order to avoid potentially serious complications, such as intestinal obstruction.
What is intestinal hernia?
The intestinal hernialike inguinal hernia, is a phenomenon characterized by the displacement of part of the intestine out of the abdominal cavity, usually through a weakness or opening in the abdominal wall.
This can happen in different places, not just the groin. Therefore, the term “intestinal hernia” is an umbrella term that encompasses different types of hernias, depending on their location. For example, inguinal, umbilical or even femoral hernias are all forms of intestinal hernias.
The common factor is the presence of a visible and sometimes painful protrusion that forms where the abdominal wall is weakenedallowing the viscera, and in particular the intestine, to exteriorize.
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