A hernia is a medical condition that occurs when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot or opening in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue that holds it in place. This results in a visible or palpable bulge or protrusion under the skin. Hernias can occur in various parts of the body, including the groin, belly button, and upper stomach. The type of hernia that develops around the groin is called an inguinal hernia, which often occurs as a result of birth defects or due to weakened muscles in the groin area. If you are experiencing symptoms of hernia in Dallas and Fort Worth, it is recommended that you consult an experienced hernia surgeon in the DFW community. In this blog, we aim to provide you with an overview of inguinal hernias to enhance your understanding of the condition.

What is an Inguinal Hernia?

An inguinal hernia, also known as a groin hernia, is a medical condition that occurs when soft tissue, such as a part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal muscles. It manifests as a noticeable lump or bulge in the groin area. This resulting bulge can cause discomfort and pain, especially during physical activities like coughing, standing, or straining. If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is recommended to consult an experienced hernia surgeon who can suggest the appropriate treatment and medication for inguinal hernia repair.

Types of Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal hernias can be classified into two types: direct and indirect inguinal hernias.

Direct Inguinal Hernia - This type of inguinal hernia is typically observed in adults and occurs due to the weakening of abdominal muscles over time or chronic pressure on the muscle wall. A direct inguinal hernia protrudes directly through the wall of the inguinal muscles.

Indirect Inguinal Hernia - This type of inguinal hernia occurs due to a defect present at birth. An indirect inguinal hernia usually occurs due to the non-closing of the canal wall during fetal development in the uterus and enters the inguinal canal through the top. It usually develops much later in life.

Possible Causes of Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia can occur due to various reasons, including:

• Chronic coughing, obesity, and muscle strain
• Pregnancy
• Extensive manual labor or frequent strenuous exercise
• Prolonged standing for long hours
• Congenital defects such as muscle openings or weak connective tissues
• Complications from previous abdominal surgeries
• Tissue degeneration associated with aging

Symptoms of Inguinal Hernia

Symptoms are not common in inguinal hernias as tissues may slide in and out of the opening. You may only feel a lump, pain, or pressure during certain activities such as coughing or strenuous exercise. However, there are some serious symptoms that indicate the need for treatment of an inguinal hernia, including:

• Nausea, vomiting, and fever
• Sudden intensifying pain
• A lump that is red, purple, or dark in color
• Problems with bowel movement and passing gas

What is the Treatment Indicated for Inguinal Hernia?

Inguinal hernias generally do not improve on their own and can lead to life-threatening situations if left untreated. Surgery is an effective method for treating inguinal hernias; however, it may not be suitable for all hernia patients. Therefore, consultation with an expert hernia surgeon is essential. The hernia surgeon will first evaluate the patient's condition and suggest appropriate treatment and medication based on their evaluation. If surgery is not recommended or needed, the hernia surgeon may suggest massaging the hernia back into place or wearing a belt or truss during certain activities to hold it back. This can help prevent the hernia from further growing.

However, if the symptoms worsen, surgery may be the only viable option for treating the inguinal hernia. There are both open-surgery and laparoscopic surgery options available. During the surgery, you will be sedated, and your surgeon will use stitches and mesh to close off the abdominal wall to repair the hernia. Laparoscopic hernia surgery carries less risk and ensures a faster recovery. However, in case of any complications, your surgeon may opt for open surgery. For optimal results, DFW residents are recommended to consult an experienced hernia surgeon in the Dallas and Fort Worth area who is known for offering advanced technologies in inguinal hernia surgeries, ensuring fewer complications and faster recovery.

What are the Risks Associated with Hernia Repair Surgeries?

Like any other surgery, a few risks associated with hernia repair surgery include:

• Bleeding from the wound
• Infection
• Reactions to anesthesia
• Blood clots
• Injury to nearby organs
• Wound healing problems

The chances of experiencing complications are less than one percent. It is advisable to stay in touch with your surgeon, follow their after-surgery guidelines, and inform them immediately if any complications arise.

Conclusion

Not only are inguinal hernias uncomfortable but they can be life-threatening if left untreated. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a hernia surgeon as soon as you start experiencing symptoms. Hernia surgeons, with their knowledge and expertise, can suggest the appropriate treatment for inguinal hernia repair after careful health evaluation. If you are seeking hernia repair surgery in Dallas or Fort Worth, consult a trusted hernia surgeon who has a good track record in all types of hernia repair surgery and leverages state-of-the-art technology to ensure optimal results, faster recovery, and fewer complications.