Is Groin Hernia Serious – Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention in Singapore
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About Hernia
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The More You Know
What is Hernia?
To put things simply, a hernia is a tear in your muscle or tissue that allows part of your insides to protrude out. It can either be the bulging of an internal organ or your intestines. Sometimes the hernia can be very visible, depending on its location and size. Certain activities can worsen the condition, like bending over or lifting heavy objects.
Types
Types Of Hernia
Hernias can occur in different areas of the body, and they are typically classified based on their location. Here are some common types of hernias:
#1
Inguinal Hernia
This is the most common type of hernia and occurs in the groin area. It can be further classified into two subtypes.
#2
Umbilical Hernia
This type of hernia appears around the navel or belly button and is often seen in infants and young children.
#3
Incisional Hernia
These hernias develop at the site of a previous surgical incision, where the abdominal muscles may have weakened or separated.
#4
Femoral Hernia
This type of hernia occurs just below the inguinal ligament in the upper thigh. It is more common in women and can lead to a painful bulge in the groin.
#5
Lateral Ventral Hernia
These hernias occur at any location along the anterior abdominal wall, excluding the inguinal and femoral areas.
#6
Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernias occur when a portion of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity.
#7
Epigastric Hernia
This type of hernia appears in the epigastric region, which is the upper abdomen between the breastbone and the navel.
#8
Lumbar Hernia
These hernias occur in the lumbar region of the back and are relatively uncommon.
Open For Appointments
Lower your chances of complications, see your doctor early and discuss your best treatment options.
Why should I treat my hernia immediately?
If left untreated, your hernia may change in size and become more painful. A portion of your intestine could become trapped in the abdominal wall. This can obstruct your bowel and cause severe pain, nausea, bloating or constipation. In some cases, hernia patients don’t face any symptoms, but if there’s a visible bulge, the likelihood of facing some of these symptoms in the future is high.
An untreated hernia can also put too much pressure on nearby tissues. This can cause swelling and pain in the surrounding area. If the trapped section of your intestines doesn’t get enough blood flow, strangulation occurs.
This can cause the intestinal tissue to become infected or die. A strangulated hernia is life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
A hernia is usually treated with surgery. There are three main types of hernia surgery; open hernia repair, laparoscopic (keyhole) hernia repair and robotic hernia repair.
- Inguinal or incisional hernias are usually diagnosed through a physical examination. Your doctor may feel for a bulge in your abdomen or groin that gets larger when you stand, cough, or strain.
- If you have a hiatal hernia which is a small protusion of the stomach through the diaphragm you may complain of heartburn, chest pain or bletching. Your doctor may diagnose it with a barium X-ray or endoscopy.
- If your child has a inguinal hernia, your doctor may perform an ultrasound. An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image to identify the weakness in the wall of the abdomen by the groin with which the hernia can be seen.
The most common symptom of a hernia is a bulge or lump in the affected area which may not have any symptoms if its small. In the case of an inguinal hernia, you may notice a lump on either side of your pubic bone where your groin and thigh meet. You’re more likely to feel your hernia through touch when you’re standing up, bending down, or coughing. It can disappear when you lie down.
Other common symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:
- Pain or discomfort in the affected area (usually the lower abdomen), especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting. The discomfort becomes more if you stand for long periods of time and it may become larger with time.
- Weakness, pressure, or a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen.
- A burning, gurgling, or aching sensation at the site of the bulge.
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