Clinical Specialties

The GW Medical Faculty Associates is an elite, academic medical team delivering care through 51 medical and surgical specialties. 

Clinical Specialties
Click Here to make an online appointment
MFA - The NewsWire
Inguinal Hernia

DEFINITION

An inguinal hernia is the protrusion of something from the inside of the body, generally the intestines, that creates a lump in the inguinal area of the body (to the sides of the groin). The bulge may be painful and annoying. An inguinal hernia is not dangerous, but can become dangerous if the intestines become trapped outside the abdomen (incarcerated hernia). Inguinal hernias need to be repaired if they are growing in size, are painful, or become incarcerated. Sometimes hernias occur as a result of weakness in the abdominal wall, high pressure in the abdomen, or a combination of both. Weakness in the abdominal wall can be present from birth or can occur as the muscles in the abdomen weaken over time. Inguinal hernias are much more common in men, because of the way their anatomy develops in the womb. In males, the testicles travel down through what is called the inguinal canal while in the womb, then travel back up before birth. The testicles will travel back down after the baby is born. Sometimes, this pathway is left a little weak which allows parts of the abdominal contents, like the intestines, to travel down this canal as well. The increased pressure in the abdomen can come from a variety of sources, like lifting heavy objects, straining with defecation, pregnancy, fluid in the abdomen, and being overweight. Risk factors for inguinal hernias include being male, having family members with hernias, cystic fibrosis, having a chronic cough (such as that from smoking), being constipated often, being overweight, being pregnant, or having a job that requires heavy lifting, being a premature baby, or having a hernia before (even if it’s not on the same side). Hernias can become very serious if a loop of bowel gets stuck (incarcerated). Symptoms of an incarcerated hernia include intense pain, nausea, vomiting, and inability to pass a bowel movement. A hernia is called “strangulated” if the blood supply is cut off. This condition is also very serious and requires emergent surgical intervention.

SYMPTOMS
Visible bulge to either side of the groin, pain (especially when bending over or lifting), heavy feeling in the groin area, swelling in the groin or testicles

DIAGNOSIS
Your doctor will take a careful history about your problem, but most of the time the most important part of the diagnosis of hernia is the physical exam. Your doctor will feel in the area of your bulge to feel where it is coming from. He or she may have you bear down like you’re having a bowel movement or cough while examining you.

TREATMENT
The treatment of your hernia depends on your symptoms. If your hernia is not painful or a nuisance, your surgeon may wait and monitor the hernia over time. If you and your doctor decide on surgery, you have a few surgical operations, including herniorrhaphy and hernioplasty. Herrniopathy involves making an incision in the groin and pushing the abdominal contents back into the abdomen then sewing the torn muscle or area of weakness to keep the problem from happening again. Often, people are able to fully resume activity after 4-6 weeks. Hernioplasty involves a small incision in the groin area followed by placing a surgical mesh in the opening from the abdomen to the groin which is then sewn or stapled into place. Sometimes, hernioplasty can be done with a small camera instead of an incision using what is called laparoscopy. The laparoscopy can allow for faster healing times and quicker return to work but the hernia is more likely to recur. In order to prevent hernias, you can eat high fiber foods, avoid lifting heavy objects, lose weight, and quit smoking.

MORE CONDITIONS:

ABOUT SSL CERTIFICATES