Are you having any swelling in your inguinoscrotal region?
Does it appear on standing and disappear on lying down position?

Swelling in the inguinoscrotal region is a sign that you may be suffering from inguinal hernia. The swelling appears while you are standing and disappears on lying down. If you are suffering from these symptoms then get yourself examined by a surgeon. A hernia is best managed when uncomplicated. If left untreated, it may develop complications in the form of irreducibility / obstruction / strangulation.

What is an Inguinal Hernia?

Hernia means a defect. When a defect occurs near the groin (inguinal) area of the abdomen it is called an inguinal hernia. In presence of it, abdominal organs, eg; intestine, omentum etc. may enter into it to produce an externally protruding bulging in that area.

Symptoms of an Inguinal Hernia:

Swelling in either or both groins is the commonest symptom of inguinal hernia. When you stand up or cough or strain during passing of stool/urine, the swelling increases in size. The swelling can be reducible or irreducible. It may sometimes be associated with pain in that area.

Causes and Risk Factors

There are many causes which cause a hernia. The great major contributor is the weak spots within the groin muscles. And in any condition leading to increased intra-abdominal pressure, coupled with this abdominal wall weakness results in hernia.

The other risk factors which can increase the problems are given below:
• Chronic constipation
• A chronic cough
• Pregnancy
• Being overweight or obese
• Having past history of inguinal hernia
• Heredity

Treatment of Inguinal Hernias

The primary treatment is surgical repair of the defect (hernia).
There are two ways of surgery – open (conventional) surgery (herniorrhaphy / hernioplasty) or laparoscopic surgery.
In the open method, one (6-8)cm incision is made over the groin area.

Advantages of Open Surgery–
• Less costly
• Can be done in every setup
• Needs no sophisticated disposables

Disadvantages-
• More postoperative pain
• Longer postoperative hospital stay
• Chance of surgical wound infection
• Ugly postoperative scar

In Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernioplasty, multiple (usually 3) small (5mm) holes are created over the abdominal wall through which the whole procedure is done.

Advantages of Laparoscopic hernia repair-
• Lesser postoperative pain
• Less postoperative hospital stay
• Less chance of infection
• Early mobilization

Disadvantages:
• Costlier
• Needs sophisticated instruments and disposables which are not available in all setups
• Needs specially skilled surgeon

Prevention from Inguinal Hernias

There is no way to get prevent from genetic risk factors, but it is possible to reduce the risk if you follow the steps given below:

1) Quit Smoking Cigarettes:

We all know, cigarettes are very harmful to our body. If you are a patient of inguinal hernia then smoking is a detrimental habit for you as it interferes with tissue healing even after surgery. So quit smoking cigarettes to reduce the risk factors.

2) Maintain a Healthy Weight:

Being overweight or obese makes you more susceptible for developing hernia. Try to maintain your body weight to the recommended level.

3) Avoid Heavy Lifting:

Avoiding lifting of heavy weight as it increases your abdominal pressure momentarily which can lead to development of inguinal hernia.

4) Eat a High Fiber Diet:

High fiber diet is very essential for an inguinal hernia patient

Remember, it is always better to take expert’s opinion for any such swelling and to opt for surgical repair if he advises so. Early surgical intervention is easier, relatively risk free with less chance of recurrence. However, there is always some risk of complications and recurrence.

You can always Call or Email me for help

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+91 80105 52552

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drpunendubhowmik@gmail.com