An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue protrudes through a weakened spot in the ab muscles. The tissue could be a portion of the intestine, another organ, or fatty tissue. Many people experience a bulge when an inguinal hernia is present, especially when coughing, bending over, or lifting heavy objects. Not everyone with an inguinal hernia feels pain. The recommended treatment for an inguinal hernia is laparoscopic surgery.
Will an Inguinal Hernia Heal by Itself?
An inguinal hernia is not necessarily dangerous, but the condition will not improve on its own. Over time and left unchecked, an inguinal hernia can cause dangerous complications. Doctors typically recommend surgery to repair inguinal hernias that become enlarged and cause pain. Inguinal hernia repair is a safe, everyday surgical procedure.
Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
What are the Symptoms of an Inguinal Hernia?
The first sign of an inguinal hernia is usually a bulge on either side of your pubic bone. The bulge may be obvious when standing upright, and when coughing or straining. Some people experience accompanying pain or a burning sensation. Others feel a heavy or dragging sensation or pressure in the groin area.
When Should You See a Doctor About an Inguinal Hernia?
If you have unexpected pain, a bulge, or other sensations originating in the groin area, you may have an inguinal hernia.
You can attempt to push the contents of the hernia back into place. If that doesn’t work, the contents may have become trapped behind the abdominal wall. That trapped tissue can become strangulated, which cuts off blood flow. This can be life-threatening if the hernia is not treated.
You should see a doctor if any of these signs are present. You should also see a doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, fever, sudden pain that intensifies, constipation, and a hernia bulge that steadily grows purple, red, or otherwise dark.
An official diagnosis is needed before you can have hernia correction surgery.
What Causes an Inguinal Hernia?
An inguinal hernia could occur because of increased pressure inside the abdomen. You might have a preexisting weak spot in your abdominal muscles. Other causes include straining during bowel movements, strenuous exercise, pregnancy, and chronic sneezing or coughing.
Many people with inguinal hernias have weakened abdominal walls. The muscles may not have formed properly in the womb. The muscles also become weaker with age. The older you get, the more at risk you are for experiencing one of these hernias.
In men, the weakened spot usually occurs in the inguinal canal. This is where the spermatic cord enters the scrotum.
In women, the inguinal canal houses a ligament that stabilizes the uterus. Hernias in women sometimes occur when connective tissue from the uterus attaches to pubic bone tissue.
How is an Inguinal Hernia Repaired?
Laparoscopic hernia repair is a surgery performed under general anesthesia. Keyhole incisions (tiny) are created just below and around the navel. Dr. Moeinolmolki then inflates your abdomen with air to give the laparoscopic tools room to work. The tools are inserted into the incisions, allowing Dr. Moein to see the internal structure of your abdomen.
The tools allow Dr. Moein to use meticulous techniques to repair your hernia without the need for open surgery. A mesh may be placed over the hole in your abdominal wall to reinforce the weakened spot. Whether mesh is used or not, the edges of the healthy abdominal muscle are sewn together.
Though the surgery sounds simple in scope, there are risks. All surgeries come with risks.
What are the Risks of Inguinal Hernia Surgery?
If you have been deemed a suitable candidate for inguinal hernia surgery, you know you have passed Dr. Moeinolmolki’s stringent requirements. Ideal candidates are healthy, non-smokers, without evidence of blood clots in their medical history. This reduces most risks to your health.
There are always risks in using anesthesia, and fluid buildup and hematomas (bleeding) can occur, but these are rare. Dr. Moein will discuss infections and other risks, as well as the benefits of hernia repair surgery, during your initial consultation.
What are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Surgery?
The most significant benefit of inguinal hernia surgery is reduced postoperative pain. You can also return to work quicker than if you were to have open surgery. Because the abdominal wall is strengthened, you are less likely to experience a hernia in the future.
What Else Should You Know about Inguinal Hernia Surgery?
Laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery is safe and the chances of the problem returning are low.
If you experience pain or worry about your hernia posing a threat to your health, get an official diagnosis by calling Healthy Life Bariatrics in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Moein can meet with you during a private, one-on-one consultation to discuss hernia surgery and what it can do for you. (310)694-4486