Inguinal Hernia Treatment in Mumbai, India

A hernia is a condition in which part of an internal organ or tissue bulges through a defect in a muscle. An inguinal hernia takes place in the abdomen near the groin area. It develops when fatty or intestinal tissues push or poke through a weakness in the abdominal wall (the space that holds organs like your stomach, small intestines, liver, and kidneys) situated at the right or towards the left groins / inguinal canal. Each inguinal canal dwells at the base of the abdomen.

Symptoms of Inguinal Hernia

Signs and symptoms

• for Inguinal hernia comprises of:
• A protrusion in the groins on either side becomes more prominent when the person is upright, especially during a cough or any sort of strain. It reduces on lying down.
• A burning or painful sensation present at the site of the bulge
• Pain or discomfort in the groin area, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting
• Weakness or pressure in the groin area
• Occasionally, presence of pain and swelling around the testicles when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum.

Causes of Inguinal Hernia

Some inguinal hernias have no evident cause as such, whereas others take place because of the following:

• Elevated pressure within the abdomen area
• A pre-existing feeble spot in the abdominal wall
• Straining during bowel movements or urination
• Strenuous activity
• Pregnancy
• Chronic coughing or sneezing
• Chronic Smoking

Inguinal hernias develop at later stages in life when muscles weaken up or degenerate because of ageing, laborious physical activity or even coughing that is accompanied by smoking. Weaknesses can also be present in the abdominal wall later in life, mainly after an episode of injury or abdominal surgery. In men, the tender spot is usually found in the inguinal canal. In women, hernias sometimes form around umbilicu.

Diagnosis of Inguinal Hernia

A physical examination is usually required to diagnose an inguinal hernia. The doctor will look for the presence of bulges or protrusions in the area of the groin. Since standing and coughing result in making hernia more distinguished, patients will likely be asked to stand and cough

In case the diagnosis isn't readily evident, the doctor might recommend certain imaging tests, like an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan or MRI.

Treatment Available For Inguinal Hernia

Intake of a high-fibre diet with an adequate amount of vegetables, fresh fruits and whole grains may help people avoid constipation, which can lead to painful symptoms. In certain individuals, where the hernia is relatively small and isn't troubling them, the doctor usually recommends waiting.

Extended or painful hernias usually need surgery to reduce discomfort and prevent further complications.

There are two common types of hernia operations, namely open hernia repair and minimally invasive hernia repair.

Open Hernia Repair

This procedure is carried out by making an incision in the groin area, and the doctor shoves the bulging tissue back into the abdomen. The surgeon then sutures the weakened area, often reinforcing it with a synthetic mesh called hernioplasty. The opening is then closed with either stitches, staples or surgical glue.

Minimally Invasive Hernia Repair

In this procedure, the surgeon performs the repair work through various small incisions in the abdomen with the help of laparoscopic or robotic instruments to repair the hernia. The abdomen is inflated by gas to make it easier to see all the internal organs.

A small tube carrying a tiny camera called a laparoscope is inserted through one incision. Aided by this camera, the doctor inserts small instruments via other tiny incisions to perform the repair work of the hernia with the help of synthetic mesh.

People who undergo minimally invasive repair have relatively little discomfort as well as scarring post-surgery and a faster come back to all the normal activities.

Risk Factors Related To Inguinal Hernia

Factors that contribute to inguinal hernia comprises:

• Being male. Men are more prone to have inguinal hernias than women.
• Being older. Muscles weaken as one age. Thereby the chances increase vastly among persons who are older.
• Being white.
• Family history. Suppose any parent or sibling in the family has this condition.
• Chronic cough resulting from prolonged smoking.
• Chronic constipation. This causes exertion during bowel movements to pass stools.
• Pregnancy. It surely weakens the abdominal muscles and causes increased pressure within the abdomen.
• Premature birth and low birth weight. These are more commonly seen in kids who are prematurely born or possess a low weight after birth.
• Previous inguinal hernia or hernia repair. If there is any previous history of hernia during childhood, those individuals are at a higher risk of possessing another inguinal hernia.

Complications of Inguinal Hernia

Complications of an inguinal hernia are as follows:

• Pressure on surrounding tissues. Most inguinal hernias expand over a period of time if they are not repaired surgically. In men, large hernias can stretch all the way into the scrotum region, causing excruciating pain as well as swelling.
• Incarcerated hernia. If the hernia contents get stuck in one of the weaker spots in the abdominal wall, the contents can hinder the bowel, resulting in severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and the inability to complete the bowel movement.
• Strangulation. An incarcerated hernia results in a cut off in the blood flow to part of the intestine, which can lead to the death of the involved bowel tissue. This condition is grave and life-threatening and requires surgery on an immediate basis.

Prevention Tips For Inguinal Hernia

Individuals can't prevent the congenital defect that makes them prone to an inguinal hernia. However, they can surely decrease the strain on the abdominal muscles and tissues with the following precautions:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Follow the best exercise regime and ideal diet plan
• Stress is to be laid on the consumption of high-fibre foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which contain fibre. It helps to avoid constipation and undue straining.
• Lifting heavy objects carefully or avoiding heavy lifting. It is always advised that while lifting weights, individuals should always bend their knees to avoid strain.
• Stop smoking. Smoking often results in a chronic cough that can either lead to or aggravate an inguinal hernia.

Outlook

Patients are prohibited from lifting anything heavy or engross in any vigorous task.

Minimally invasive hernia surgery has a relatively shorter recovery time as compared to open hernia repair.