A groin hernia, also known as inguinal hernia, occurs when part of the intestine or abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall in the groin area. This type of hernia is more common in men, but it can also occur in women.
There are two types of groin hernias:
1. Indirect inguinal hernia: This is the most common type and is usually congenital. It occurs when the intestines push through the deep inguinal ring and into the inguinal canal. This type of hernia can occur at any age and is more common in males.
2. Direct inguinal hernia: This type of hernia occurs when the intestines push through a weakness in the posterior wall of the inguinal canal, near the inguinal ligament. It is typically seen in older men and is usually caused by activities that increase pressure in the abdomen, such as heavy lifting or straining.
Symptoms of a groin hernia may include a visible bulge or swelling in the groin area, pain or discomfort, especially when bending, lifting, or coughing, aching or burning sensation in the groin, and a feeling of heaviness in the groin area.
If left untreated, groin hernias can lead to complications such as incarceration, where the protruding tissue becomes trapped and cannot be pushed back into the abdomen, and strangulation, where the blood supply to the herniated tissue is compromised, leading to tissue death.
Treatment options for groin hernias include watchful waiting (if the hernia is small and not causing symptoms), lifestyle modifications to prevent further worsening of the hernia, and surgical repair. The most common surgical procedure for groin hernias is a herniorrhaphy or hernioplasty, where the weakened abdominal wall is strengthened with synthetic mesh. The surgery can be done through open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques.
describe Groin Hernias
1 answer