Hernias developing in the groin area; It constitutes 70-80% of all hernias and is 25 times more common in men than in women. While the probability of a man developing an inguinal hernia throughout his life is 27%, this rate is 3% for a woman.
There are three types called direct, indirect and femoral.
Direct inguinal hernia is usually caused by the weakening of the abdominal wall. It is seen in middle and older ages. Femoral hernia occurs less frequently than other types.
The same surgery is performed in the treatment of all three types.
Although inguinal hernia does not seem to affect daily life, surgery is usually required. Because the compression of the hernia and the complications that may develop afterwards can be daunting and even life-threatening.
Symptoms
Some inguinal hernias do not cause any complaints. Sometimes it may not be understood by a patient until it is detected during a doctor's examination.
The most common symptom is; It is a swelling in the groin area. This swelling becomes more noticeable when standing, straining or coughing.
The swelling usually disappears when lying on your back. There may be a feeling of pressure in the groin area, pain and burning when lifting a heavy object.
In less cases, there may be swelling in the scrotum due to the hernia descending into the scrotum.
Causes?
In some cases, there may be no detectable cause. But the following can be counted among the causes of hernia:
Complications?
- The hernia grows over time and the scrotum descends correctly
- Compression of the hernia (it can get stuck and cause intestinal obstruction)
- Strangulation of the hernia (gangrene occurs when the blood supply to the trapped intestine is impaired and can turn into a life-threatening complication.
Diagnosis
Usually it is just a diagnosis. As a result of the examination, a diagnosis of hernia is made. Sometimes very small hernias can be diagnosed with the help of ultrasonography.
Treatment
Since hernia is a disease caused by an anatomical defect, its treatment is surgery. Follow-up may be recommended in patients with high risk of surgery. Open and closed (laparoscopic) surgery methods can be used. In the open surgery method, a 4-5 cm incision is made in the groin where the hernia is located, and by entering through here, the organs in the hernia sac are sent into the abdomen and the defective area is sutured. Since the tissue resistance in this area is low and weak, a synthetic hernia patch (also called a synthetic hernia patch) is placed on this sutured area. Mesh) is placed. In laparoscopic (closed) surgery, the hernia area is reached through 3 small holes and a thin camera is reached, and after the inside of the hernia is emptied, a patch is placed just like in open surgery.
In what cases should closed surgery not be performed in an inguinal hernia?
- If you have had prostate surgery before
- If your hernia is stuck or strangulated
- If it is inconvenient to receive general anesthesia
- If there is a very large hernia tear, open surgery should be preferred.
Postoperative period in inguinal hernia
After the patient recovers from the effects of anesthesia (i.e. 3-4 hours after the surgery). then) starts eating. He can stand up in the evening. The majority of patients are discharged the next day.
Since self-dissolving stitches are mostly used, there is no stitch removal. Patients can start bathing from the next day.
Points to be considered in the late period after surgery
- Care should be taken not to lift heavy objects for 6 weeks
- Heavy lifting sports should be taken off for 6 weeks
- Care should be taken not to gain weight
- It is recommended to quit smoking
Situations that are not restricted after surgery:
- No food restrictions
- You can swim in the pool or the sea after 1 week
- You can start working as soon as you feel comfortable
- You can drive after 10 days
- You can have sexual intercourse after 2 days
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