Inguinal Hernia
Inguinal Hernia is a condition of weakening or loosening of abdominal wall muscles of groin.
Swelling occurs due to bulging of intra abdominal contents like intestine, etc., while coughing, walking or cardio.
Around 25 to 30 % males will develop inguinal Hernia in their Lifetime
Around 3 to 4 % females will develop Inguinal hernia
- Reducible
- Obstructed
- Strangulated
Symptoms & Diagnosis
No Symptoms in Early Stages
- Swelling or Bulging in Groin - Decreases on Lying down or Sleeping
- Swelling in Scrotum or Genitals (If Large)
- Pain - Dragging with heaviness
- Severe pain, Vomiting or Constipation - If Obstruction
- Distension of Abdomen
- Urinary Problems
Assessment of patient includes Examination by Surgeon along with
- Confirmed on examination
- Rarely CT scan in Complex or Complicated cases
- Ultrasound or Sonography
Causes
- Old age & Young Children
- Obesity & Very thin People
- Any previous Surgery over abdomen
- Smoking
- Respiratory & Lung disease
- Constipation & Cough
Treatment
Only Definitive long term treatment is Surgery or Hernioplasty operation.
In this operation, generally a Net or Mesh is used to overlap the hernia defect which acts as scaffolding over which new tissue grows leading to strengthening of Lower Abdominal wall
1) Open or Lichenstein repair
Surgeon makes a cut in groin area under anaesthesia. Wall Is repaired with Mesh or net
2) Laparoscopic
Surgeon makes Small cut of 0.5 cm hole are made on abdominal wall & Mesh is placed from within inside. This is less painful & faster recovery
TAPP
TEP
E-TEP
There is no role of medicines, exercise, Yoga, oil massage, Desi Home remedies, Hernia belts or TRUSS for hernia treatment. Use of this can complicate the problem
Do not lift Heavy weight more than 8 kg for 4 to 6 months
Do not strain in toilet or urine
Use Stool softeners & High fiber diet
Lose weight if obese
No role of truss before or after surgery
No Gym for 4-6 months, but can do lighter exercise
Increase in Size of hernia
Obstruction of hernial contents – trapping of intestines or omentum
Strangulation & gangrene of Intestine – Blood supply is cut off due to twisiting
These complications are dangerous & life threatening. Therefore it needs urgent attention.
- Short Hospital stay
- Fast recovery
- Minimal pain
- Less chances of infection
- Less chance of missing other causes of pain
1. Early
Urinary retention
Infection
Bleeding
2. Late
Chronic Pain 1 to 5 % ( Laparoscopic Surgery has less chances of pain )
Recurrence 0.5 % to 2 % ( Less chances in Mesh repair )
Infertility 0.3 %
Numbness or tingling at operative site
Safe & effective with minimal complications in hands of experienced surgeon.
