| Surgical Issues I - What is this bulge in my groin? |
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What is a hernia?
How do you get a hernia?
Hernias usually occur because of a
natural weakness in the abdominal wall
How do you get a hernia?
Hernias usually occur because of a
natural weakness in the abdominal wall
or from excessive strain on the abdominal wall. In males, a natural
weakness is created prior to birth when the testis (testicle) and
spermatic cord descend through the inguinal canal from the abdominal
cavity into the scrotum. In females, a ligament makes the same descent
through the canal.
weakness is created prior to birth when the testis (testicle) and
spermatic cord descend through the inguinal canal from the abdominal
cavity into the scrotum. In females, a ligament makes the same descent
through the canal.
Is there more than one kind of hernia?
Although any part of the abdominal wall
can rupture, approximately 80% of all
hernias are located near the groin.
When a hernia near the groin occurs
because of a natural weakness, it is
called an indirect inguinal hernia. When
a hernia near the groin is caused by
excessive strain, it is called a direct
inguinal hernia. Hernias may also be
found below the groin (femoral),
through the navel (umbilical), and along
a previous incision (incisional).
Although any part of the abdominal wall
can rupture, approximately 80% of all
hernias are located near the groin.
When a hernia near the groin occurs
because of a natural weakness, it is
called an indirect inguinal hernia. When
a hernia near the groin is caused by
excessive strain, it is called a direct
inguinal hernia. Hernias may also be
found below the groin (femoral),
through the navel (umbilical), and along
a previous incision (incisional).
Hernias are most commonly symptomatic when lifting heavy objects or
exerting some force that puts pressure on the hernia. Hernias may pinch
nerves, and cause sharp as well as dull, achy pains. In addition, to the
local discomfort, if a portion of bowel or intestine is caught within the
hernia, it may cause a blockage of the intestine. Also, the piece of
intestine may lose its blood supply and die. These are surgical
emergencies, and surgery is required immediately.
Initially, some hernias may pop in and out with mild discomfort. This is
called a non-incarcerated (non trapped) hernia. If the hernia changes
and can not be popped back in it may be incarcerated (trapped). This
second situation in more likely to lead to a trapped piece of bowel and
bowel death.
If the hernia is tender, reddened, painful it may be sign of incarceration,
and it should be evaluated quickly.
If you have the above symptoms with nausea, vomiting, and fevers you
should go to your Emergency Room immediately.
Hernia surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis. The
procedure involves a 2 to 3 inch incision over the area, and most people
go home 3 to 4 hours after the procedure. Average healing time
depends on the person, but 2 to 4 weeks may be typical. If the hernia is
incarcerated or involves damaged organs, then it may be life
threatening and/or require a hospital stay.
exerting some force that puts pressure on the hernia. Hernias may pinch
nerves, and cause sharp as well as dull, achy pains. In addition, to the
local discomfort, if a portion of bowel or intestine is caught within the
hernia, it may cause a blockage of the intestine. Also, the piece of
intestine may lose its blood supply and die. These are surgical
emergencies, and surgery is required immediately.
Initially, some hernias may pop in and out with mild discomfort. This is
called a non-incarcerated (non trapped) hernia. If the hernia changes
and can not be popped back in it may be incarcerated (trapped). This
second situation in more likely to lead to a trapped piece of bowel and
bowel death.
If the hernia is tender, reddened, painful it may be sign of incarceration,
and it should be evaluated quickly.
If you have the above symptoms with nausea, vomiting, and fevers you
should go to your Emergency Room immediately.
Hernia surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis. The
procedure involves a 2 to 3 inch incision over the area, and most people
go home 3 to 4 hours after the procedure. Average healing time
depends on the person, but 2 to 4 weeks may be typical. If the hernia is
incarcerated or involves damaged organs, then it may be life
threatening and/or require a hospital stay.
What does a hernia look like?
It may look like a bulge in the
skin, usually the groin, and it
be larger when standing
upright. As the size of the
hernia gets bigger, the bulge
may get bigger.
What are the symptoms and
why are they bad?
It may look like a bulge in the
skin, usually the groin, and it
be larger when standing
upright. As the size of the
hernia gets bigger, the bulge
may get bigger.
What are the symptoms and
why are they bad?
