Inguinal hernias are hernias that occur as a result of weakness or tearing of the inguinal canal or muscle wall in the groin area, the lower part of the abdomen. Intra-abdominal organs try to come out of the weak / torn area in a pouch and swelling occurs in this area. The congenital hernia is a remnant of the inguinal canal and the acquired one is caused by muscle weakness and tearing due to strain. Millions of people are treated for inguinal hernia every year all over the world.
What is Inguinal Hernia?
Inguinal hernia can be seen at any period of life starting from birth, but its frequency increases with age. It is in 2 groups as Congenital or Acquired. It is 8-10 times more common in men than in women. The incidence rate in men over the age of 65 increases up to 40-45%. However, Femoral Hernia, a type of inguinal hernia, is more common in women.
- For men
- In the elderly
- Obese people / people with excess weight
- Those who gain or lose a lot of weight
- In patients with prostate disease
- In hereditary predispositions
- In all causes that increase intra-abdominal pressure
- People with long constipation and coughs
- Those who do very strenuous sports and heavy work
- It is more common in people with body muscle and connective tissue diseases/disorders. People in this group are more at risk.
What are the Symptoms of Inguinal Hernia?
- First, tenderness may appear in the groin area.
- Over time, swelling occurs and the size of the swelling increases with straining and pushing.
- There may be a feeling of pressure and tightness in the lower abdomen.
- There may be pain and a feeling of pressure radiating down the leg. If intestines have entered the hernia sac, digestive problems may occur.
- If some of the intestines get stuck there and cannot come out, severe pain, constipation and cramps occur and a very hard mass / lump is felt in the hernia area. In other words, when the organ is trapped in the hernia, suffocation occurs, blood circulation deteriorates over time, organ nutrition deteriorates and intestinal perforation may occur; if precautions are not taken, very serious life problems arise.
- If part of the bladder is trapped in the hernia sac, frequent and bloody urination may occur.
How is Inguinal Hernia Diagnosed?
A good patient analysis and examination allows us to make a diagnosis. Sometimes ultrasound can be helpful in unclear cases. Sometimes it can be detected incidentally during routine abdominal ultrasound / tomography.
Can Inguinal Hernia be Prevented? What should be done?
It is not possible to prevent inguinal hernia from occurring completely, but precautions can be taken by reducing the risk factors.
- Avoiding heavy and demanding situations
- Avoiding excessive straining and constipation
- Taking early precautions and treatment in cases such as coughing.
- Avoiding obesity and excess weight.
- Protecting oneself from sudden and excessive weight loss and gain
- Timely treatment for diseases such as prostate.
However, prevention against genetic predisposition and congenital hernias is not possible.
How to Treat Inguinal Hernia?
The real treatment of inguinal hernia is surgery. Hernia repair is performed under local, spinal or general anesthesia.
There is a 1-2% risk of recurrence after surgery.
In infancy and childhood inguinal hernia repair, the hernia sac is removed and 1-2 stitches are applied.
In adult hernias, the hernia sac is removed and the muscles are strengthened with stitches or special patches are placed in this area.
Normal activity and life can usually be resumed 1 month after surgical repair.
If the patient with a hernia cannot undergo surgery at all, an inguinal hernia belt can be used to prevent organs from escaping into the canal.
What Health Problems Can Inguinal Hernia Cause If Left Untreated?
If an inguinal hernia is left untreated, it can grow over time and cause more serious problems.
If the hernia causes suffocation in the organs and then disrupts their nutrition, it is life-threatening.
Therefore, if there is a suspicion of an inguinal hernia, you should definitely be examined by a specialist physician and treated if diagnosed.
