Inguinal Hernia Treatment

An inguinal hernia refers to a digestive system disorder, wherein the soft tissues of the abdominal cavity (particularly the intestine) protrudes through weak muscles in the groin area. In majority of the reported cases, the primary cause of inguinal hernia is congenital, meaning that the weak muscle spot is present before birth. It may be manifested soon after birth or later in life, when there is an increased pressure in the weak spot. Based on the size, an inguinal hernia may not be very serious or manifest painful symptoms. Accordingly, an appropriate inguinal hernia treatment option is recommended for the patient.

Inguinal Hernia Information

With an inguinal hernia, either symptomatic or asymptomatic, there is always a risk of limited blood supply over the affected portion. Inguinal hernia symptoms, if manifested, include tenderness, sharp pain and burning sensation in the groin. The affected area is more painful while indulging in physical activities, straining, coughing and sneezing. In severe protrusions, an inguinal hernia can lead to strangulation, a condition in which a section of the intestinal loop gets trapped in the inguinal canal.

Though inguinal hernia affects people of both genders, men are at a higher risk of developing them than women. In men, inguinal hernias can result in an abnormal bulging in the scrotum area. While in women, inguinal hernia is most common during pregnancy, which is basically due to the increased weight and pressure in the abdominal muscles. Also known as groin hernia, it is the most frequently occurring hernia in humans, accounting to about 75 percent of all hernia cases.

Inguinal Hernia Treatment

An inguinal hernia is diagnosed based on the symptoms, medical history and at times, imaging tests. Tenderness and lumps can be easily felt by the physician, while undergoing a physical examination of the patient. According to the extent of severity and the manifested symptoms, the physician may recommend a non-surgical or a surgical treatment option. Let's take a look at both the options for inguinal hernia treatment:

Non-Surgical Method
Inguinal hernia treatment without surgery is recommended only with patients, who have mild discomfort or no symptoms at all. Such a case of inguinal hernia that can be restored without surgery is called reducible inguinal hernia. With a non-surgical inguinal hernia treatment, the patient is recommended to wear a supportive device called a truss. This device pressurizes the protruded hernia, which over time helps in containing the hernia.

Surgical Method
In order to cure symptomatic inguinal hernia, there is not much to say regarding inguinal hernia treatment options, as surgical repair is the only effectual technique. Depending upon the procedure and approach, there are two types of operations for inguinal hernia treatment. The first method is herniorrhaphy, a procedure in which the protruded intestine is replaced back in its original location and the weak muscles are repaired by stitching. This method requires 4-6 weeks for complete recovery.

The second surgery option for inguinal hernia treatment is a laparoscopic method called hernioplasty. Over here, small incisions are made and the weak muscles are repaired by placing a synthetic mesh. The mesh is secured in the inguinal area with clips or by stapling or suturing. A hernioplasty procedure is less painful and the patient can resume his normal duties within a few day's time.

After the surgical procedure for inguinal hernia treatment is over, pain killers are prescribed to combat post surgical symptoms. As far as the effectiveness of inguinal hernia treatment is concerned, the non-surgical option is debatable. There is lack of clinical trials that prove the potency of a hernia truss in reversing back the protrusion of tissue. Thus, most doctors recommend inguinal hernia surgery for effective treatment.