Inguinal Hernia

Introduction

An inguinal hernia is a common medical condition characterized by protrusion of abdominal contents (intestine, fat)through a weakened opening in the abdominal wall, most common near the groin.It can happen anywhere in the abdomen, but the most common site is the groin, which is termed an inguinal hernia.

Most prevalent in men than women due to natural weakness inabdominal wall to pass the spermatic cord to the testis.

Usually presents as a visible bulge in the groin region.

Causes

1) Congenital

2) Genetics I,e., family history of hernia

3) Heavy weight lifting

4)Obesity

5) Smoking

Symptoms

1) Visible bulge in groin more prominent on standing straining cough.

2)Sometimes dull aching pain

Diagnosis

1) Getting examined by a surgeon

2)Ultrasound of groin region

Complications

1) Irreducible: Swelling does not reduce on rest

2)Strangulation: hernia gets trapped and loses blood supply, presenting as severe pain. This is a medical emergency

Treatment

1)Surgery is the most effective treatment

2)Two main types of surgeries: OPEN andLAPAROSCOPIC (Keyhole) surgery

3) Here, the abdominal contents are pushed back and weakness is fixed with a mesh

4) The choice of procedure depends on size of defect, age of the patient, etc

5) Both the procedures are entirely safe

Recovery

1) Patients can resume back to work in less than a week after undergoing the surgery

INGUINAL HERNIA IS THE MOST COMMON CONDITION THAT IS SEEN AMONG ALL AGEGROUPS THAT INCLUDE INFANTS TO OLD AGE. IT REQUIRES MEDICAL ATTENTIONTO DECIDE ANY NEED FOR INTERVENTION.