WHAT IS AN INGUINAL HERNIA
Inguinal hernias are often misdiagnosed as a number of other illnesses and injuries. Inguinal hernias occur when the abdominal wall tears or ruptures and a portion of the intestinal tract pushes through and into the inguinal canal. The inguinal canal is a narrow tube-like structure which runs from the hip through the crease formed between the upper thigh and the lower abdomen. The canal serves as the conduit for the urethra and the inguinal nerve which extends upward into the abdomen and downward into the leg. The placement of this nerve is one of the main reasons that diagnosis of an inguinal hernia is so difficult to perform accurately since pain can radiate upward, downward or not occur at all depending on the extent and location of the abdominal wall tear and the protruding intestine.
WHAT CAUSES IT
An inguinal hernia can occur from heavy and improper lifting, an awkward cough or sneeze, or any number of athletic movements or impacts. At the time a hernia occurs you may feel a popping sensation, a dropping of the stomach similar to the sensation you get when an elevator bottoms out, a sharp pain, or nothing at all. It again depends on the location and the severity of the rupture.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of an inguinal hernia may include abdominal pain, leg pain, weakness of the lower body, weakness when attempting to lift heavy objects, testicular pain, general abdominal discomfort, and any number of other possible effects. If left untreated an inguinal hernia can result in the strangulation of a portion of your intestines which is potentially very dangerous and painful.
Since diagnosis is difficult it is best to stick with a medical professional who is accustomed to seeing, recognizing and repairing injuries of this kind. A general surgeon is likely best equipped to correctly diagnose and treat your inguinal hernia. It is better to start here than to make the rounds from general practitioner to urinary specialist to internist and so on until the hernia is found.
SURGERY
The surgery to repair an inguinal hernia is considered to be ambulatory so you can expect to have the surgery and leave the hospital the same day. The modern surgery involves the use of a synthetic mesh which fills the gap where the rupture has occurred and replaces the weakened portion of the intestinal wall as well as adding strength which is designed to prevent hernias from reoccurring in the future.
POST-OP
Post operative conditions include pain, sometimes acute in the affected area. The use of anesthetic can cause constipation, sometimes severe in patients which can particularly painful or damaging for someone who has just undergone a lower abdominal surgery. Try milk of magnesia immediately following the operation before the constipation sets in to avoid possible complications.
Recovery is expected to last approximately 2 weeks for normal movement to resume. Full recovery can last anywhere from 4-6 weeks to one year.
Mayo Clinic: Inguinal Hernia National Health Service: Hernia, Inguinal Repair
E Medicine Health: Hernia
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Inguinal Hernia Repair
