Causes and risk factors
There is no apparent cause for the inguinal hernia; it is seen as the age advances due to the weakness of the abdominal muscles. Heavy weight lifting, obesity and straining during bowels and prolong cough are certain factors which can predispose inguinal hernia. Inguinal hernia in females is more commonly seen during pregnancy.
Symptoms
Inguinal hernia is of two types -Direct inguinal hernia and indirect inguinal hernia. The patient comes up with complaints of pain in the groin region. Its dull aching in nature. The pain radiates to the testicle region. There is a feeling of pain and pressure in the groin region. On coughing a buldge can be felt and seen. Inguinal hernia can lead to incarceration or strangulation In this protrusion cannot be pushed back into the abdomen back then it indicates that the hernia is incarcerated and it needs surgical treatment, Where the size of the hernia increases the content of the abdomen can descend into it and cause compression and cut down of the blood supply to the intestine.
Investigations
Diagnosis is only done on the basis of physical examination and the symptoms narrated by the patient. Certain physical tests are carried out by the doctor. Tranillumintaion test is one of the tests used for differentiating hernia from hydrocele. Ultrasonography of abdomen along with color Doppler are advised. Routine sets of investigations can also be suggested.
Treatment
There is no medication which can be advised for treating hernias, surgical intervention is the only line of treatment. Hernias can be operated in two ways; either open surgery (Herniorrhaphy) or laparoscopic technique can be adopted.
