An inguinal hernia is the most common form of hernia.
Presentation
Inguinal hernia presents as a bulge in the groin or the inguinal region or in the scrotum. This bulge becomes appreciable while coughing, straining or standing; meaning it is not constant but is variable depending on the intra-abdominal pressure. Most times the bulge disappears on lying down and is rarely painful.
An asymptomatic hernia presents as a swelling in the inguinal region with a sense of aching. There is no actual pain or tenderness when examined and it is seen that the swelling increases with the increase in abdominal pressure. These are the usual characteristics of an asymptomatic inguinal hernia [10]. If the hernia does not reduce or cannot be manipulated into the abdomen via the fascial defect, then it could be an incarcerated hernia. It is often associated with nausea, vomiting and may have symptoms of blocked bowels.
When the blood supply to a part of intestines entangled in the hernia are obstructed, then it is termed as strangulated hernia. In such cases the patient presents with the symptoms of incarcerated hernia accompanied with toxic appearance as a result of toxicity caused due to gut ischemia. The patient might present with nausea/vomiting, fever and chills since a bacterial infection might supervene on the ischemic bowels of a strangulated hernia.
In infants, the lone symptom could be increased irritability, whereas in older children and adults it is presented by dull aching or burning pain that is aggravated by straining or exercise.
Entire Body System
- Severe Pain
If left untreated, they can cause severe pain and damage to the intestine. In less common cases, if blood flow to the intestine gets cut off, inguinal hernias can become life threatening and require immediate medical attention. [kidshealth.org]
This is called an incarcerated hernia and can cause problems such as severe pain, nausea, vomiting, or absence of bowel movements. [my.clevelandclinic.org]
Severe pain is common. The bowel in the hernia may die from lack of blood leading to serious peritonitis and infection. How are inguinal hernias treated? The diagnosis is usually apparent on examination of the groin. [netdoctor.co.uk]
This is often associated with mild discomfort, or pain. Patients presenting with severe pain may have incarceration and/or strangulation of abdominal contents, which is a surgical emergency. [jomi.com]
Patients also completed an analog surgical pain scale. t Tests and analyses of covariance were used. A preoperative surgical pain scale score of >12 was representative of moderate to severe pain. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Crying
In many cases the swelling may only be seen during crying or straining. [hernia.org]
The bulge in the groin might only be noticed when the child is crying, coughing, or straining during a bowel movement, or it might appear to be larger during these times. Of the newborns who have inguinal hernias, 90% are boys. [my.clevelandclinic.org]
Management Analgesia (e.g. morphine) Bowel compromised Tender tense swelling with redness and induration, with no impulse on crying in a distressed infant. Resuscitation Urgent surgical consult. [pch.health.wa.gov.au]
And ask yourself: Is the bulge present when your child is straining, crying, coughing, or standing, but absent when your child is sleeping or resting? This could indicate a reducible hernia. [kidshealth.org]
- Wound Infection
Wound infection was found higher in Desarda group 18 (19.4%) as compared to darning group 9 (9.7%) (p-value 0.061). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Complications The most common complications are wound infections and recurrence of the hernia which occurs approximately 2% of the time. Pediatric Inguinal Hernia (Groin) Doctors and Providers [childrens.com]
Wound infection. Bladder injury. Intestinal injury. A hydrocele from fluid accumulation in the distal sac usually resolves spontaneously but sometimes requires aspiration. Prognosis This is generally very good, depending on comorbidity. [patient.info]
- Inflammation
A relationship between inflammation and peritoneal metastasis has been reported; thus, we speculated that local inflammation resulting from chronic stimulus of mesh plugs and peritoneal trauma caused peritoneal metastasis at the repair sites. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Icing: Inflammation, swelling, redness, pain in the abdomen or groin are some of the common symptoms of inguinal hernia. [hcah.in]
- Infertility
The aberrant positioning may lead to vascular compromise or impaired temperature regulation, which elevate the risks for torsion, infertility and testicular cancer. Definitive therapy consists of orchiectomy or orchiopexy. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
This can cause testicular discomfort, infertility, or be completely asymptomatic. Women do not have a vas deferens, and instead have a round ligament that can be divided without consequence. [nychernia.com]
Unilateral transection of the vas deferens can cause infertility through antibody production. [emedicine.com]
Respiratoric
- Cough
In an older child, a hernia is likely to be more apparent when the child coughs, strains during a bowel movement or stands for a long period. [mayoclinic.org]
Risk factors for direct inguinal hernias include obesity, excessive coughing due to smoking or lung disease, chronic bronchitis or an occupation involving heavy lifting. [netdoctor.co.uk]
Assessment Examine the patient both standing and lying and ask them to cough or strain. Insert a finger through the top of the scrotum into the external inguinal ring and palpate for a lump when coughing - cough impulse. [patient.info]
- Sneezing
Sometimes the lump will completely disappear when lying down or grow bigger when coughing or sneezing which may also trigger pain. [sportsinjuryclinic.net]
Increased abdominal pressure during activities, such as straining to have a bowel movement or sneezing, may push more of the intestines into the herniated area, making the hernia appear to grow temporarily. [verywellhealth.com]
In such a situation, the bulge appears or becomes larger when intra-abdominal pressure is increased, for example, when the baby strains at stools, coughs, sneezes or cries. inguinal hernia - Image Copyright: ellepigrafica / Shutterstock Types An inguinal [news-medical.net]
Others might occur as a result of: Increased pressure within the abdomen A pre-existing weak spot in the abdominal wall Straining during bowel movements or urination Strenuous activity Pregnancy Chronic coughing or sneezing In many people, the abdominal [mayoclinic.org]
Gastrointestinal
- Vomiting
Some patients get crampy abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting or constipation. Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting are alarming symptoms because they may be a sign of an immediately life threatening complication such as bowel strangulation. [noinsurancesurgery.com]
[…] groin, especially when bending, coughing or lifting Noticeable bulge in the stomach, scrotum or pubic bone Pain in the groin region Pressure or “heavy” feeling in groin (often described as something is pulling on the groin) Swelling in the testicles Vomiting [childrens.com]
Severe pain and vomiting are associated with this situation. How is inguinal hernia diagnosed? To diagnose inguinal hernia, the doctor takes a thorough medical history and conducts a physical examination. [virginiahernia.com]
An 85-year-old male complained of bowel movement pattern change, abdominal distension and loss of weight, without vomiting but with nausea. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Constipation
Chronic constipation. Constipation causes straining during bowel movements. Pregnancy. Being pregnant can weaken the abdominal muscles and cause increased pressure inside your abdomen. Premature birth and low birth weight. [mayoclinic.org]
Some patients get crampy abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting or constipation. Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting are alarming symptoms because they may be a sign of an immediately life threatening complication such as bowel strangulation. [noinsurancesurgery.com]
This includes eating a good diet to avoid constipation, caring for the wound, and not straining yourself too soon. [nhs.uk]
- Nausea
Some patients get crampy abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting or constipation. Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting are alarming symptoms because they may be a sign of an immediately life threatening complication such as bowel strangulation. [noinsurancesurgery.com]
An 85-year-old male complained of bowel movement pattern change, abdominal distension and loss of weight, without vomiting but with nausea. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
This is called an incarcerated hernia and can cause problems such as severe pain, nausea, vomiting, or absence of bowel movements. [my.clevelandclinic.org]
If the contents of the hernia become trapped in the weak point in the abdominal wall, it can obstruct the bowel, leading to severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and the inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas. Strangulation. [mayoclinic.org]
- Abdominal Pain
With small hernias pain may be the only symptom. This pain may be anywhere from the kidney to the testicle. Some patients get crampy abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting or constipation. [noinsurancesurgery.com]
EMERGENCY Severe lower abdominal pain warrants immediate medical care; it may be a sign of intestinal obstruction or strangulation. [healthcommunities.com]
INTRODUCTION: Torsion of the omentum is a rare cause of abdominal pain. It is clinically similar to common causes of acute surgical abdomen and is often diagnosed during surgery. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Symptoms for a hernia can include the following: Abdominal pain Belly button sticks out ( umbilical hernia only) Discomfort in the groin, especially when bending, coughing or lifting Noticeable bulge in the stomach, scrotum or pubic bone Pain in the groin [childrens.com]
- Abdominal Mass
The animation of the surgery shows the placement of the laparoscopic devices, location of the herniated abdominal mass, and placement of mesh graft to strengthen the fascia of the abdominal wall. Caption author (English) Category [youtube.com]
Patients who present with a history of a severe pain, associated with an inflamed lower abdominal mass should be evaluated emergently for incarceration of abdominal contents within a hernia. [jomi.com]
The ultrasound scan will allow the doctor to visualize the hernia and to make sure that the bulge is not another type of abdominal mass such as a tumor or enlarged lymph gland. [surgeryencyclopedia.com]
Cardiovascular
- Hypotension
A 57-year-old man who was hypotensive at induction of anaesthesia was having intermittent episodes of hypotension after an uncomplicated and relatively bloodless open inguinal hernia repair of a large left-sided hernia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Presence of one or more systemic signs attributable to candidemia and/or IC (e.g., fever, hypothermia, hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnea). [clinicaltrialsregister.eu]
Eyes
- Foreign Body Sensation
CONCLUSION: The self-gripping mesh has comparable results with a sutured mesh regarding the incidence of chronic postoperative inguinal pain, recurrence and foreign body sensation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
body sensation, and other complications. [intechopen.com]
body sensation. [5, 27] Complication prevention Since the widespread acceptance of mesh-based repairs and the significant reduction of inguinal hernia recurrence, the most vexing complication of herniorrhaphy has been chronic groin pain. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Conclusions; prevention of chronic pain Level 1B Material-reduced meshes have some advantages with respect to long-term discomfort and foreign-body sensation in open hernia repair (when only considering chronic pain). [link.springer.com]
Psychiatrical
- Fear
In the present case, the individual feared being hospitalised for treatment of his scrotal swelling with potential surgery and the eventual loss of daily income. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
[…] the other hand, surgery has a risk of inguinodynia (10-12%), and this is why males with minimal symptoms are advised to watchful waiting.[25][26] However, if they experience discomfort while doing physical activities or they routinely avoid them for fear [en.wikipedia.org]
Since the first description by Italian surgeon and anatomist from Pavia, Antonio Scarpa in 1809 [ 1 ] they were feared as a complicated surgical conditions. [intechopen.com]
Urogenital
- Testicular Swelling
Symptoms of ischemic orchitis include painful testicular swelling and fever commencing 2-3 days after surgery. [65] A study comparing heavyweight and lightweight meshes for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in men found that the use of lightweight mesh [emedicine.medscape.com]
Workup
The diagnosis is generally made by a thorough physical examination. Usually, laboratory studies are not specific for hernia but some of them can be useful as follows:
- Complete blood count: Results aren’t specific, but leukocytosis with left shift can be seen in case of strangulation.
- Electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen levels (BUN), and creatinine levels must be assessed. In case of patients presenting with nausea and vomiting, it is mandatory to determine their hydration status and these tests are a prerequisite for operating hernia.
- Urinalysis: It helps in ruling out any other genitourinary cause leading to groin pain along with hernia.
- Lactate levels: Raised levels can be due to hypoperfusion but normal levels do not rule out strangulation.
Imaging studies
- Radiography: Chest radiograph taken when the patient is standing straight helps to rule out free air under the diaphragm.
- Flat and upright abdominal radiographs help in diagnosing a small bowel obstruction or to know the portion of bowel that is outside the abdominal cavity. Both these radiographs are helpful in cases of suspicious incarcerated or strangulated hernias.
- CT scan: CT scan of abdomen and pelvis along with oral and intravenous contrast helps in detecting various hernias that are otherwise difficult to diagnose by displaying extracoelomic position of the bowel, bladder or internal reproductive organs [11].
- Ultrasonography: It helps in restricting the differential diagnoses for scrotal masses as well as those beneath the inguinal ligament. It also helps in deciding whether to drain or aspirate a nodal abscess if present.
These imaging studies become necessary when the patient’s body habitus prevents physical examination.
X-Ray
- Pneumoperitoneum
However, herniorrhaphy and mesh repair were successfully performed, and no peritoneal disruption or pneumoperitoneum was visible. The patient was discharged home on the next day. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
The operation could be implemented as long as there were no anesthetic or pneumoperitoneum contraindications. Figure 7. Hidden hernia was found with the aid of a needle‐type clamp. [intechopen.com]
We report a case of an accidental bowel wall injury during diagnostic colonoscopic with consequent pneumoperitoneum; this was followed by expansion of gas through diaphragmatic fenestration perhaps congenital, in right pleural cavity causing pneumothorax [giornalechirurgia.it]
Umbilical stalk technique for establishing pneumoperitoneum. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2002 Jun. 12(3):203-6. [Medline]. Lovisetto F, Zonta S, Rota E, Mazzilli M, Bardone M, Bottero L, et al. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Treatment
Conservative
A hernia truss helps in keeping the reducible inguinal hernia in the abdomen. It does not cure the condition but if the pads are hard and invade the hernial opening they can lead to scarring and widening of the hole. Due to the pressure, the trusses can cause injury to the skin or bowel and conceal the signs of an incarcerated and strangulated hernia. The truss also increases the chances of complications like strangulation, degeneration of the spermatic cord and the fascial margins. It might lead to enlargement of the defect thereby making the repair tough [12].
Herniorrhaphy: In this procedure, an incision is made in the groin region to push the protruding intestine back into the abdomen. Then the weakened or damaged muscle is sewed or strengthened and supported with the help of a synthetic mesh.
Laparoscopic hernioplasty: This is a less invasive procedure where the operation is done via many tiny incisions on the abdomen. This procedure causes minimal discomfort and scarring. It helps the patient to recover faster. It is a good option for those who suffer from recurrence of the hernia after the traditional hernia surgery as the surgeon can bypass the scar tissue formed due to the prior repair. It is a better option for bilateral inguinal hernia.
Prognosis
Hernia surgery is quite safe and effective. It has a good prognosis but depending on the site, size, and technique used, few hernias can recur over a period of time.
Once open surgery is done, the patient can get back to routine activities in a week or two, whereas in case of laparoscopic surgery the recovery is faster. After the surgery, patient should keep away from heavy lifting for few weeks so that the muscle and tissues can recover completely.
Etiology
Indirect hernia is a congenital hernia irrespective of the patient’s age.
Direct inguinal hernias occur due to increased pressure within the abdomen, aging, stress or strain weakening the abdominal muscles around the inguinal canal, exertion during bowel movements, heavy lifting, obesity, pregnancy, chronic coughing and sneezing, prior surgeries over lower abdomen that may weaken abdominal muscles.
Epidemiology
Around 10% of the population develops some form of hernia during their life [1]. From about 1 million abdominal hernia repairs, 770,000 cases are of inguinal hernia repair [2] [3] [4]. A lifetime risk of developing inguinal hernia is more in men i.e. 27% whereas in women is just 3% [5].
Of all the inguinal hernias 50% are indirect whereas 25% are direct [6]. Indirect inguinal hernias are common in premature babies especially those that are born before 32 weeks of gestation [3], whereas direct hernias are seen in older patients due to relaxation of the abdominal wall muscles and thinning of the fascia.
Pathophysiology
Inguinal hernias are divided into two types - direct and indirect.
Direct: This type of hernia generally occurs due to a fault or weakness in the transversalis fascia region of the Hesselbach triangle in the abdomen. This triangle is formed by the inguinal ligament at the base, inferior epigastric arteries on the lateral side and the conjoint tendon medially [7].
Indirect: The indirect inguinal hernia pursues the tract via the inguinal canal. It is the outcome of a persistent processus vaginalis. Origin of the inguinal canal is within the abdominal cavity, at the opening of the internal inguinal ring, which is nearly midway between the symphysis pubis and the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). From here it goes down together with the inguinal ligament to the external inguinal ring present on the medial side of inferior epigastric arteries. The contents of hernia go downwards into the scrotal sac through the passage of the testicle [6] [8] [9].
Prevention
Rarely inguinal hernias can be prevented, particularly in younger patients. In adults it might be prevented from occurring or recurring by taking following precautions:
- Maintain healthy weight: Overweight causes an increase in the abdominal pressure and thereby increases the risk of developing inguinal hernia. Follow proper diet and exercise regimen to maintain healthy weight. Avoid sudden weight loss by dieting as it leads to weakness of the abdominal muscles due to lack of protein and vitamin intake.
- Quit smoking: Smoking leads to chronic coughing and hence increases the chances of developing hernia.
- Have high fiber diet: This helps in preventing constipation and hence avoids straining while emptying the bowels. Straining for bowels increases the intra-abdominal pressure.
- Take care while lifting heavy weights. While lifting weights bend your knees not the waist.
- Do not depend on a truss: It helps in keeping the hernia in place but does not cure the situation. It can be used for a short time, till you decide about the surgery.
Summary
Inguinal hernia is defined as out-pocketing of the contents of the abdominal cavity through the inguinal canal. This protrusion results into a bulge that can be painful especially when one bends over, coughs or lifts heavy objects.
Inguinal hernias can be classified into direct and indirect inguinal hernia depending on the cause of hernia.
Patient Information
Inguinal hernia is a condition that occurs when the contents of abdomen protrude into the inguinal region of the lower abdomen due to a defect or weakness in the abdominal wall.
Birth defects in the abdominal wall cause direct inguinal hernias while aging and stress or strain that weaken the abdominal muscles leads to indirect inguinal hernia. Both these hernias can be repaired by surgical procedures. If the hernias are left untreated, they may lead to strangulation which is a surgical emergency.
Although hernias are difficult to avoid, but various lifestyle changes like maintaining healthy weight, avoiding crash dieting, high fibre diet, avoid smoking etc can help in recurrence. Wearing truss can help keeping the hernia within the abdomen, but it is not the cure. It gives temporary relief from the symptoms and provides greater confidence while performing any physically demanding activities. Just use them for a short time before surgery.
References
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- Mizrahi H, Parker MC. Management of asymptomatic inguinal hernia: a systematic review of the evidence. Arch Surg. 2012 Mar;147(3):277-81.
- Toms AP, Dixon AK, Murphy JM, Jamieson NV. Illustrated review of new imaging techniques in the diagnosis of abdominal wall hernias. Br J Surg. 1999 Oct;86(10):1243-9.
- Purkayastha S, Chow A, Athanasiou T, Tekkis P, Darzi A. Inguinal hernia. Clin Evid (Online) 2008 Jul 16;2008 pii: 0412.