Inguinal Hernia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

When a part of the intestine or a portion of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, which is the region that holds organs like your stomach, small intestines, liver, and kidneys, protrudes through a weak spot in abdominal muscles near the groin, is known as an Inguinal Hernia.

Types of Inguinal Hernia

1. Indirect Inguinal Hernia: It comes out through the Inguinal Canal or the groin. It occurs at any age from childhood to adult. It generally occurs in preexisting sacs. .
2. Direct Inguinal Hernia: It occurs through the posterior wall of the Inguinal Canal. Most common in elderly. It is always acquired..

1. An Inguinal Hernia occurs when the lower abdominal wall has a weakening or opening that permits abdominal tissue to protrude through. Many factors can play a role in this, including:
2. A hole or weak spot that exists at birth.
3. Differences in the strength of connective tissue can be congenital.
4. Coughing or sneezing regularly.
5. A weak spot from previous abdominal surgery.
6. Jobs that demand you to stand for long periods. 
7. Chronic obesity causes intra-abdominal pressure. 
8. Age-related tissue degradation.
9. Struggling to pee or defecate regularly. 
10. Strenuous exercise or manual labour regularly. 
11. Pregnancy for years and carrying little children.

1. A protrusion on either side of the pubic bone in the groin area. It can also enter the scrotum or labia.
2. A sense of heaviness or pressure in the groin area.
3. Pain in groin
4. A burning or pinching sensation that may travel down the leg or pelvis.

Diagnosis 

1. A Physical Examination and Imaging Tests are performed to diagnose Inguinal Hernia.
2. Physical Examination: The Hernia will be examined and felt by the Healthcare Provider. They may ask to cough in order to make Hernia visible.
3. Imaging Tests: An Ultrasound, CT scan or MRI can be performed to diagnose Inguinal Hernia.

Treatment

Surgical treatment is frequently used to repair an Inguinal Hernia.

1. Laparoscopy Several small incisions will be made and a narrow scope with a tiny camera  is used in this surgery. The Hernia is repaired by the surgeon using a scope. In this surgery, a synthetic mesh is also used. Laparoscopic repair may take less time to recover than open surgery.
2. Open Repair:  In the groin area, an incision is made through the skin. The Hernia is moved back into the abdomen, and the abdominal wall is stitched together. If the opening is particularly large, the surgeon may tighten the closure with a synthetic mesh.
3. Robotic Hernia Repair: In this type of surgery surgical instruments are handled through consoles in the operating room. This surgery is similar to Laparoscopy surgery.

1. Exercising regularly to maintain healthy weight.
2. High-fibre foods should be preferred. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and it can help avoid constipation and straining.
3. Lift heavy objects with caution or avoid them altogether.
4. Avoid smoking as it frequently creates a chronic cough, which can induce or worsen an Inguinal Hernia.

 If delay in treatment, and Inguinal Hernia can grow in size.

1. If the contents of the Hernia become stuck in the abdominal wall's weak spot, they might block the intestine, causing extreme discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and the inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement known as Incarcerated Hernia.
2. A Hernia that is incarcerated can shut off blood supply to a section of your intestine. Strangulation can cause damage to the intestinal tissue. A strangulated Hernia is life-threatening and must be treated right away.
3. It can also cause pressure in the surrounding tissues. In men, it can cause pressure in the surrounding tissue causing pain and swelling.