If you have an inguinal hernia, one of the first symptoms you may notice is a bulge in your abdomen or groin. This bulge can form as a result of pushing the intestine or its contents through the abdominal muscles. Inguinal hernias are usually easy to diagnose by doctors and the main treatment is surgery. Although hernias are not life-threatening, complications can arise if the disease is not treated. In rare cases, the blood supply to part of the intestine can be cut off due to a hernia. This causes a strangulation hernia, a painful condition that requires emergency surgery to prevent shock and even death. Learn to recognize the symptoms of an inguinal hernia so you can receive a diagnosis and medical treatment as quickly as possible to prevent complications.
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Part 1 of 3: Looking for Inguinal Hernia Symptoms
Step 1. Look for hernia symptoms with the help of a mirror
Take off all clothes below the waist and look in the mirror. Place two fingers on the area that seems to have a hernia. Force yourself to cough and notice if any lumps appear in the area. You can hold your breath and strain (contract your abdomen as if you are holding back a bowel movement). Use your fingers to feel for bulges. You also need to look for:
- A bulge in the groin area. If so, it looks like you have a direct or indirect hernia.
- Swelling in the lower abdomen that extends down or even into the scrotum.
- A bulge in the thigh below the groin. If so, it looks like you have a femoral hernia.
- One testicle is larger than the other or swollen. If so, it looks like you have an indirect hernia.
- Burning, throbbing, or heavy pain. This indicates a hernia because your intestines are stuck and squeezed, causing pain. Call emergency services immediately if you experience this condition.
- Oval-shaped swelling that is not in the scrotal area. This condition indicates that you have a direct hernia instead of an inguinal hernia.
Step 2. Check if the hernia can be pushed back
Feel if the hernia can be reduced, or pushed back into place. Lie on your back so that gravity can ease the tension of the hernia back into place. Gently press the bulge with your index finger and push it up. Do not apply too much pressure to prevent the hernia from rupturing or opening. If you are unable to reduce the hernia, see a doctor immediately.
- Report to your doctor if you have or think you are going to vomit, and the bulge cannot be pushed back into place. This condition can signal a complication called strangulation.
- You should see a doctor immediately if you have abdominal pain or fever.
- Strangulation of the intestines and the blood vessels that supply them will prevent the intestines from getting enough nutrients. Thus, the intestinal tissue will die and not function. You will need to have surgery to remove the dead tissue so that the intestines can pass through the digested food again.
Step 3. Get a physical exam
No matter what type of hernia you have, you should get a medical examination. While in the doctor's examination room, you will be asked to remove all clothing below the waist. The doctor will examine your abdomen and genitals for any asymmetry and bulges. You will be asked to strain, for example coughing, or to contract your abdomen when you hold your breath. The doctor will also check if the hernia can be reduced by palpating the area with the index finger.
The doctor can try to hear the sound of the protrusion with a stethoscope. If there is no sound, this indicates dead intestinal tissue or strangulation
Step 4. Learn the types of groin hernias
There are several types of hernias that affect the abdomen or groin. You have one of the following types of hernia if you seem to have a hernia in the abdomen or groin area:
- Indirect inguinal hernia: This type of hernia is a congenital (birth) defect that causes the intestines and/or intestinal lining to penetrate the area where a man's testicles descend before birth. Usually, this area does not close before birth so it becomes weak.
- Direct inguinal hernia: This type of hernia is usually caused by trauma to the area of the disease, for example from repeated stress from lifting heavy objects, frequent coughing, difficulty urinating, or pregnancy. Intestinal, lining, or intestinal fat penetrates these weakened muscles near the groin and pubic area, but does not pass through the scrotum or testicles. This disease usually occurs in men over the age of 40, although women can also experience it.
- Femoral hernia: This type of hernia is usually caused by pregnancy or childbirth, but it can also occur in men. The intestinal contents pass through the lower groin, where the vessels supplying the thighs and legs pass. Complications are common with femoral hernias, so you should keep your doctor informed if your symptoms change.
Part 2 of 3: Treating and Recovering from an Inguinal Hernia
Step 1. Discuss your options with your doctor
Surgery is the most common and recommended treatment option for hernia healing. However, if you have no symptoms and the hernia can be pushed back (reduced), it's best to wait. Whatever the decision, you should see a doctor for a professional opinion. If you want to have surgery, but your doctor recommends otherwise, you have the right to apply for surgery on the grounds of appearance. If you decide to have surgery, schedule an appointment with the surgeon.
If you are planning to have surgery, first get the results of the following laboratory tests: lab results for your blood values (PT, PTT, INR, and CBC), electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and glucose levels, and an ECG to detect presence of heart defects. Schedule an appointment with your primary doctor to get some tests and send the results to your surgeon
Step 2. Undergo laparoscopic surgery
Before undergoing laparoscopic surgery, you will be given a local anesthetic orally to reduce pain and discomfort. The operation is performed by inflating the abdomen with air so that the tissue is more spread out and easier to work with. After that, the doctor will use the surgical probe as a camera to guide other probes that can be cut, removed, and sutured. The probe will push the hernia bulge back into place. The probe will also attach gauze to strengthen the weak abdominal wall and prevent the hernia from coming back. The small incision from the probe will eventually be sutured.
- Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive. This surgery will also leave a small scar, a little bleeding, and mild postoperative pain.
- If the hernia is bilateral, relapsing, or femoral, it is advisable to undergo laparoscopic surgery instead of an open procedure.
Step 3. Run the open operation
If you decide to have open surgery, the surgeon will make an incision along the groin to open up the area. After that, the doctor will push the stomach contents back into place manually and look for a flatus (fart) channel. Then, the doctor will use gauze around the weak abdominal muscles or sew the abdominal muscles together. This will prevent the hernia from returning. Finally, the incision in the groin will be sutured.
- If you have a large hernia or are looking for a more affordable surgical option, it's best to opt for open surgery.
- You are advised to opt for open surgery instead of laparoscopic if the herniated area has been operated on, or this is the first time you have an inguinal hernia, the hernia is large enough, or if there is a chance of infection.
Step 4. Take care of yourself after surgery
Since you will experience pain for a few weeks after the operation, you will need to take the painkillers prescribed by your doctor according to the instructions given. You also need to eat fiber-rich foods, or take two tablespoons of the medicine Milk of Magnesia twice a day after surgery. Usually, the stomach takes 1-5 days after surgery to be able to defecate again and high-fiber foods will improve the performance of your colon.
To relieve pain, you can also place an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel on the operated area for 20 minutes
Step 5. Clean the wound
Let the bandage cover the wound for 2 days. You can see some bleeding or discharge from the wound area, which is normal. After 36 hours, you can shower. Remove the gauze before bathing and apply light pressure to the wound area while cleaning it with soap. When you're done, gently pat the area dry with a towel. Apply a new gauze on the wound after every shower.
Do not soak in the pool or spa for at least 2 weeks
Step 6. Reduce physical activity
There are no medical or physical limitations after undergoing surgery, but the operated area is still quite sensitive. Try not to do activities that put pressure on your abdomen for a week, such as sports, running, and swimming.
- You should not lift weights heavier than 4.5 kg for 6 weeks, or until approved by your doctor. Lifting heavy weights can trigger a new hernia in the same area.
- It is advised not to drive for the first two weeks after undergoing surgery.
- You can have sex after you have a hernia as long as it's not painful or uncomfortable.
- Usually the patient has recovered and can return to work within a month after undergoing herniorrhaphy.
Step 7. Be aware of complications
Talk to your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms after surgery:
- Fever (as high as 38 Celsius) and chills. This is due to bacteria that have infected the surgical area.
- A discharge from the surgical area that smells bad or looks like pus (usually brown/green). A bacterial infection causes this foul-smelling, thick discharge.
- Continuous bleeding from the surgical area. There may be a blood vessel that bursts and is not properly closed during surgery.
- Difficulty urinating. Excessive fluid and inflammation after surgery will put pressure on the bladder or urethra. This can cause urinary retention or the bladder cannot be completely emptied.
- Swelling or pain in the testicles that gets worse.
- The most common complication is hernia recurrence.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing an Inguinal Hernia
Step 1. Lose weight
If you are overweight or obese, lose weight by reducing your calorie intake and exercising lightly. Excess weight will make the weak areas in the abdomen support more weight than it can bear. This increased pressure on the weak points of the abdomen can increase the risk of hernias.
Make sure the exercise does not add pressure to your abdominal wall. Do moderate impact sports such as walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling
Step 2. Increase fiber intake
Fiber helps improve digestion and empty your intestines. Foods rich in fiber will also soften the stool, thereby reducing pressure during bowel movements. Eat foods that contain lots of fiber such as whole grain breads, fruits, and vegetables. You also need to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your bowel movements smooth.
You'll need to eat fiber if you're going to have surgery to treat a hernia. The process of surgery and the use of pain medication will slow down your bowels. this can cause constipation and worsen the condition of the abdomen
Step 3. Learn how to lift things properly
Avoid or be careful when lifting heavy objects. You can lift 4.5 kg after 6 weeks of surgery. To lift weights properly, bend your knees to lower your body. Hold the object to be lifted close to your body, and raise yourself using your knees, not your hips. This method will reduce the burden and stress on the abdomen from lifting and bending.
You can also wear a support device at the waist. This tool will support the abdominal muscles, especially when lifting weights
Step 4. Quit smoking
Smoking is directly related to chronic coughs, which can cause and worsen hernias. If you already have a hernia, you should stay away from activities that can cause a new hernia, including smoking.
Tips
- Don't ignore the hernia if you don't feel any pain. An inguinal hernia can be painless.
- Risk factors for inguinal hernia in adults include hernias that have been suffered as a child, old age, male or Caucasian sex, chronic cough, chronic constipation, abdominal wall injury, smoking, or a family history of hernias.
- Most hernias can only be cured with surgery. Ask your doctor for a referral to find a surgeon who can treat you.
- If you are going to have surgery, do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day before surgery. This is done to prevent aspiration (withdrawal) of stomach contents into the lungs while under sedation.
- Try to stop smoking because it can cause coughing. Coughing will make the abdominal muscles contract.
Warning
- Strangulation and intestinal obstruction can occur if an inguinal hernia is not treated. This condition is very dangerous and can be life threatening.
- If you experience sharp pain during the test, see a doctor immediately. This can be caused by twisting of the blood vessels that supply the testicles. Thus, blood flow to this area will be reduced. If not treated in time, the lack of blood flow to the testicles will damage the organ. Damaged testicles should be removed.
- If you have a history of hernias, it is important to take the preventive steps discussed above.
