Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia is a protrusion of abdominal organs through the inguinal canal. This is one of the most common types of hernias.

Causes

The main causes of inguinal hernias:

1. Congenital weakness of tissue in the groin area
2. Increased intra-abdominal pressure with heavy lifting, frequent coughing, constipation
3. Weakening of abdominal muscles with age

Symptoms

1. Painless bulge in the groin area that increases with tension
2. Discomfort or pain in the groin
3. Feeling of heaviness in the groin

Complications

1. Incarcerated hernia, impaired blood supply to organs
2. Inflammation of the hernial protrusion (hernia)

Diagnostics

1. Inspection and palpation of the groin area
2. Ultrasound of the groin area

Treatment

1. For uncomplicated hernias, surgical treatment is recommended
2. If a hernia is strangulated, urgent surgical intervention is required
3. The operation consists of returning organs to the abdominal cavity and strengthening the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall with a special mesh

Prevention

1. Avoid sudden movements and heavy lifting
2. Monitor your body weight and prevent obesity
3. Strengthen your abdominal muscles through exercise

An inguinal hernia is the exit of internal organs through the abdominal wall into the inguinal canal when the lower part of the diaphragm is lowered along with the processes of the fascia covering it with tension in its outer layer. According to some reports, this is the most common and widespread abdominal disease in old age. Men are most often affected. Much less commonly, a hernia can form in the groin area in children.

Inguinal hernias are formed due to weakening of the muscles of the groin area and inguinal canal, which is associated with old age, traumatic injuries and congenital malformations, accompanied by degenerative changes in the tissues. The development of inguinal hernias is assumed to be hereditary. In addition to this, inflammatory diseases of the bladder and intestines with paresis of its muscles (code N49.1 “Urinary dysuria” or N49.2 “Intestinal dyskinesia”) are important, increasing intra-abdominal pressure. In some cases, inguinal hernias may be associated with surgery on the rectum and some other internal organs. In women under 50 years of age, the development of inguinal hernias, as a rule, is not associated with aging of the body and can occur after childbirth as a result of injuries or pathological changes in the abdominal wall due to the accumulation of fluid in the pelvis.