Inguinal Hernia, Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

A hernia is a weakness in the lining of the abdomen (tummy). This weakness may allow a part of intestine (bowel) or fat to bulge out under the skin.

The most common site for a hernia is in the groin (the area between the thigh and the tummy). This hernia is called an inguinal hernia. An inguinal hernia can occur on either the right or left side or both sides. The bulge may appear during vigorous activity, or when coughing or straining, and usually disappears when lying down

Causes of Inguinal Hernia

Groin is a Potential weak spot in humans

Men have a weak spot in their groin muscles where the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis passes through.

Straining associated with coughing and lifting may stretch this natural gap enough to form a hernia - an inguinal hernia. This is also a weak spot in women because a structure known as the 'round ligament' passes through the gap.

Some inguinal hernias have no apparent cause. Others occur as a result of:

• Increased pressure within the abdomen
• A pre-existing weak spot in the abdominal wall
• A combination of increased pressure within the abdomen and a pre-existing weak spot in the abdominal wall
• Persistent straining during bowel movements or urination
• Heavy weight lifting
• Fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
• Pregnancy
• Excess weight
• Chronic coughing or sneezing

Symptoms of Inguinal Hernia

Some inguinal hernias don't cause any symptoms. You might not know until your doctor discovers it during a routine medical exam.

Often, however, you can see and feel the bulge in the groin area. The bulge is usually more obvious when you stand, especially if you cough or strain.

Inguinal hernia signs and symptoms include:

• A bulge in the groin
• A burning, gurgling 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

Severe pain with increase in size of the groin swelling associated with vomiting, abdominal distension and pain may indicate a complication usually due to the intestine getting obstructed in the hernia. This usually requires emergency surgery.

Treatment of Inguinal Hernia

Treatment of inguinal hernia is surgery. There is no medical treatment of inguinal hernia. Use of belts to treat a hernia is associated with increased risk of complications

Surgery involves reducing the hernia and strengthening the abdominal wall using a mesh (made up of polypropylene material).

This can be done by the traditional open method or the recent laprascopic method.

In the laparoscopic method, the surgeon operates through several small incisions in your abdomen. A small tube equipped with a tiny camera (laparoscope) is inserted into one incision. Guided by the camera, the surgeon inserts tiny instruments through another incision to repair the hernia using synthetic mesh.

Most people who have laparoscopic repair experience less discomfort and scarring after surgery and a quicker return to normal activities.

Laparoscopy is particularly useful for bilateral inguinal hernia and hernias which have recurred after previous open surgery.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

ps- those interested in recipes are free to view my blog-

http://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/

for info about knee replacement, you can view my blog-

http://Knee replacement-stick club.blogspot.com/

for crochet designs

http://My Crochet Creations.blogspot.com/

I've not given details about designs, but those interested are free to mail me for the same.