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An inguinal hernia occurs when the membrane that separates the abdominal cavity that holds the intenstines breaks open and allows protrusions into the groin region. The intestines and other organs can drop into the groin cavity and cause pain and pressure.
A hernia can occur in several different parts of the body. The definition of hernia is the protruding of an organ or a part of an organ through the wall that normally contains it. This can happen in the groin area, the abdominal wall, the bowels, the diaphram, the scrotal sac or even a disk in the vertebral bones. The most common hernia is an inguinal hernia in the groin area of men, but can also occur to women but less frequently. There are two types of inguinal hernias, congenital inguinal hernia and an inguinal hernia.
A congenital inguinal hernia occurs to newborn babies and is a congenital defect which can not be prevented. When a male baby is being formed in the womb the testicles are formed inside the abdominal cavity. They move down through the abdominal cavity through an opening into the groin and then end up in the scrotal sac. The opening is called the inguinal canal and will close up once the testicles have dropped in the fetus’s eight month. The cord that is attached to the testicles and the veins supplying the blood into the testicles pass through the canal and are completely fused where the opening used to be. The abdominal wall becomes separated from the scrotum area by the peritoneum. If the fusion is incomplete at birth, then the baby will have a congenital inguinal hernia. Sometimes the hole is big enough that the intestines will pop through the peritoneum into to the scrotum. You will notice in your baby a small swelling or protrusion of a soft lump into the groin area, especially when they are crying, coughing or straining. Though this kind of hernia can not be prevented, if you get it corrected quickly many complications will be avoided. Take your baby to the doctor if you suspect a hernia.
An inguinal hernia can occur in both men and women. It happens later in life; anywhere in childhood to adulthood. It’s occurrence is usually related to a weakness of the peritoneum which separates the abdominal cavity from the groin area. The peritoneum will stretch and rupture, usually from lifting something heavy or straining. Sometimes if there is great pressure in abdomen, as in pregnancy, the breakage will occur from within.
When a hole occurs in the peritoneum the intestines or bowels can be pushed through the opening down into the groin. You will feel a soft lump; which may be painful or may not. Usually there is more pain if you stretch, cough, laugh, lift something heavy or strain yourself in any way. Go to the doctor if you suspect a hernia.
When males go to the doctor for a physical, sometimes to play on a sports team, a doctor will usually evaluate the strength of the peritoneum especially around the inguinal canal. He does this by using his hand to push into the scrotal sac and having the patient turn his head and cough. If the doctor feels a protrusion bulge against his fingers then an inguinal hernia may be the cause. Often the doctor can feel the hernia in the beginning stages, before you are even aware of it. If the doctor can push the protrusion back into the abdomen, then surgery may not be needed at this time. But hernias rarely close up on their own and therefore surgery may be needed in the future. Avoid heavy lifting, straining or playing rough sports.
Correcting both, congenital inguinal hernias and inguinal hernias, require surgery. If the intestines or bowels are allowed to bulge into the groin area for a long time they may become kinked, obstructed or trapped. If this happens surgery will become urgent and more serious. An obstructed bowel or intestine is very painful, with swelling and redness and the area will be hot to the touch. Sometimes the testicles will become swollen.
Hernia surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis in a few of hours. You will go home afterwards to recuperate. Once home you will have little or no appetite for a few days. Eat soups and broths and clear liquids, such as juice. Work up slowly to solid foods to give your intestines time to recuperate. You will be instructed to not lift anything for a couple of weeks and to go easy for two months on the lifting. You will also be instructed to not lift your legs high to step over anything for awhile and to be careful of straining. Watch the incision site for redness, pain or swelling this could mean an infection.
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