Inguinal hernia is a condition in which the part of the tissue that covers the abdominal cavity bulges out through the weak abdomen muscle along with the inguinal canal. The tissue that protrudes can also be part of the small intestine. Hernia can cause pain during heavy activities and coughing. However, some hernias are asymptomatic and do not cause any pain. The inguinal hernia should be treated soon because it can lead to life-threatening conditions and cannot be improved on its own. There is no definite cause of inguinal hernia but it is said that it can be due to the weakness of the wall of the abdomen. Inguinal hernia is most common in the old age group when muscles become weak due to the signs of aging. Men are at higher risk of developing inguinal hernia. However, inguinal hernia can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and balancing a diet and exercise. Inguinal hernia can cause many complications and also affect the life quality of patients when the symptom of pain restricts most of the activities of daily living. Treatment should be planned according to the condition of the patient and the severity of the symptoms.
Some of the types of treatment for inguinal hernia are as follows:
In some cases, doctors might recommend monitoring the hernia without immediate treatment especially when the hernia is small and not causing any symptoms like discomfort and pain.
Making certain lifestyle adjustments like avoiding heavy lifting, maintaining a healthy weight, and adopting proper body posture can help in managing the symptoms and prevent the hernia from worsening.
A hernia truss is a supportive undergarment that can help to support the hernia in place. However, this treatment is used as a temporary solution and cannot be applied for long-term use.
Surgery is the most effective and common treatment for inguinal hernia. There are two main types of techniques for surgery:
Open Hernia Repair: In this traditional approach, a surgeon makes an incision near the hernia pushes the protruding tissue back into their original place, and then treats the weakened abdominal wall with stitches.
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair: This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making several small incisions and using a laparoscope and specialized instruments to repair the hernia. A mesh is often used to provide additional support for the weak abdominal muscles.
Some of the techniques used to diagnose the inguinal hernia are described below:
A healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to look for signs of a hernia. The doctor can make a diagnosis by combining the results of the physical examination and the symptoms of the patient.
The medical history of a patient such as any disease that has the symptom of cough or the condition of weak abdominal muscle can help the doctor to make a diagnosis.
Ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI are used to see a clear picture of the abdominal area. These tests can provide a clearer view of the hernia and help the healthcare provider determine the most suitable treatment approach.
The healthcare provider will assess the size, type, and reducibility of the hernia. A reducible hernia can be pushed back into place, while other types of hernia are trapped and cannot be pushed back.
In certain situations, the healthcare provider might use a specialized light and scope to directly visualize the hernia during the examination.
The doctor may use specific physical maneuvers to diagnose the hernia. For example, the Valsalva maneuver, where the patient is asked to bear down as if having a bowel movement, can make the hernia more prominent.
The healthcare provider will also consider other conditions that might mimic hernia symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes or the presence of fluid in the abdomen.
The cost of Inguinal treatment in India ranges from 1853 USD to 2486 USD. The cost can vary according to the complexity of the hernia and the structures involved in the hernia. The cost can also vary according to the skill of the surgeon and the facilities of the hospital.
Treatment Costs in India | Min in USD | Max in USD |
Inguinal Hernia Treatment | 1853 USD | 2486 USD |
Some of the symptoms of inguinal hernia are as follows:
Some of the risk factors that are associated with inguinal hernia are as follows:
The risk of developing an inguinal hernia increases with age. Older people are at more risk of inguinal hernia due to weakness and aging effects.
Inguinal hernias are more commonly observed in men due to structural differences between men and women. So men have a greater risk of developing inguinal hernia.
A positive family history of inguinal hernia can increase the risk of developing the disease. It is most commonly present in those who have hernias in the groin area.
Some of the diseases of the lungs where the symptom of cough is persistent can also lead to the development of inguinal hernia. The cough can elevate abdominal pressure which can lead to hernia.
Engaging in frequent heavy lifting, stress during bowel movements, or forceful sneezing can weaken abdominal muscles which can cause hernia formation.
The increased abdominal pressure during pregnancy increases the vulnerability of women to developing inguinal hernias.
Obesity or excess weight places extra stress on the abdominal muscles which increases the risk of hernias.
Smoking can compromise the health of connective tissues and muscles in the body. It can increase the risk of hernia development.
Medical conditions that affect connective tissues can also contribute to the development of hernias.
Patients who have a history of any type of hernia are at greater risk of recurrence of the condition.
Babies born prematurely are at more risk of inguinal hernias due to the poor growth of abdominal walls and muscles.
The stress on the muscles and abdominal wall associated with long-term constipation can play a role in the formation of hernias.
Some of the conditions that lead to increased abdominal pressure, such as accumulation of abdominal fluid can increase the risk of hernias.
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