Inguinal/Groin hernia- What is it??

A condition in which soft tissue bulges through a weak point in the abdominal muscles.

The soft tissue is often part of the intestine. It's easy to see and feel the bulge, although not all are visible by the patient, especially when obese.

Symptoms:

· Hurt when you cough, bend, or lift something heavy.

· Feel pressure, weakness, heaviness, or a dragging sensation in your groin.

· Have swelling around your testicles.

· Feel a burning or aching sensation at the hernia’s bulge.

You may be able to gently push the bump back up into your abdomen to relieve some of the discomfort.

Diagnosis:

Usually diagnosed by clinical examination. Although sometimes special investigations like USG of the abdomen may be required to rule out other pathology

Complications:

The hernia may get obstructed (i.e. unable to push the hernia back into the abdomen) .This becomes an emergency and urgent surgery is required for this condition.

Treatment:

Hernia can never be treated by medicine. Surgery is the only option for treatment of hernia. Delay in treatment may lead to Obstructed hernia or huge increase in size of hernia.

Surgery:

i) Open method- An incision is made in the groin. The hernia is reduced, and a mesh is placed. Then the incision is closed.

ii) Laparoscopic method- small incisions are made in the abdomen. The hernia is reduced . A mesh is placed covering the hernial defect.

Post operative complications:

1) Bleeding.

2) Infection.

3) Injury to Spermatic Cord.

4) Recurrence .