When we talk about hernia, we think of herniated disc. However, there is a wide variety of types, such as abdominal wall hernia. We can define this type as an organ or tissue protrusion through abnormal openings in the abdominal wall.
In the abdominal wall, hernias of the following types may appear: inguinal, femoral, umbilical, epigastric and incisional. It is believed that 75% of hernias are in the inguinal region, that is, in the groin region.
In general, inguinal hernia affects mainly men of extreme ages (children or elderly). In the elderly, it occurs because of the weakening of muscles in the abdominal wall. In children, it usually occurs because of a birth defect. There is a relationship between the appearance of this type of hernia with constipation, obesity, smoking, prostate diseases, among others.
The symptoms of an inguinal hernia are pain and a lump in the groin area. Usually the lump is more pronounced after coughing or physical exertion, as well as the pain.
We can divide the inguinal hernia into two distinct types: direct and indirect.
A direct inguinal hernia is one that forms at a weak point in the abdominal wall. It has a strong relationship with smoking, age, malnutrition and profession (physical effort).
In indirect inguinal hernia, its formation occurs due to the migration of the testicle and ovary in the fetal body. When the migration of the testicle to the scrotum occurs, the abdominal wall is left with a fragile region, thus favoring the formation of hernias. In women, the ovary migrates into the pelvis, also forming a fragile region.
A simple medical evaluation may be sufficient for the diagnosis, but in doubtful cases the use of ultrasound and ultrasound is recommended. Treatment is based on surgery, and the ideal is that it is performed as soon as possible before possible complications.
One of the complications that can occur is incarceration, which happens when the intestine becomes trapped in the hernia sac. In that case, it doesn't go back into the abdomen.
In addition to incarceration, strangulation can occur. This is a serious complication that occurs when the bowel twists inside the hernia sac. This causes the blood vessels to be compressed and intestinal obstruction to occur. Gangrene of the twisted part of the intestine can occur, leading to its rupture and, consequently, serious infections.
In cases of complications, emergency surgeries are performed.
See your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms. Early diagnosis is essential to avoid complications.
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* Image Credit: NHS.
by Vanessa dos Santos
Graduated in Biology
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/doencas/hernia-inguinal.htm
