Treatment Options for Inguinal Hernia Atwater CA
Treatment Options for Inguinal Hernia
Every year between 600,000 and 700,000 inguinal hernia surgeries take place in the United States. Inguinal hernias are the most common types of hernia, and they can afflict anyone--from infants to seniors. However, men are more likely to get them than women, and African-Americans get inguinal hernias three times more than whites.
What is an Inguinal Hernia?
An inguinal hernia is a bulge or protrusion that occurs in the groin or scrotum. This hernia occurs when part of an internal organ (usually the intestine) protrudes through a weakened part of the abdominal wall. If part of the organ becomes stuck inside the hernia, it's referred to as a "strangulated" hernia, which is particularly dangerous because blood supply is cut off.
Symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:
- a bulge in the groin
- pain and swelling in the scrotum
- pain or discomfort in your groin when you cough, bend over, lift objects, or exercise
- pressure or heaviness in your groin
If the hernia is strangulated or incarcerated, symptoms may include fever, increased heart rate, redness and extreme tenderness around the protrusion.
What Causes an Inguinal Hernia?
The most likely causes are a weakness in the abdominal muscles and strain from heavy lifting. But, in some cases the cause of an inguinal hernia is unknown. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), some factors can make you more prone to developing hernias, such as:..
