Are inguinal hernias direct or indirect?
There are two types of inguinal hernias: Direct: Develops over time due to straining and is caused by weakness in the abdominal muscles. Most common in adult males and rare in children. Indirect: Caused by a defect in the abdominal wall that will typically have been present since birth.
What is a direct inguinal hernia?
Direct Inguinal hernias are the second most common type of groin hernia. Like all other types of hernias, direct inguinal hernias involve a “defect” or weak space which has thinned out in the abdominal wall, in this case the lower abdominal wall, the groin.
What are the symptoms of a direct inguinal hernia?
Symptoms
- A bulge in the area on either side of your pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when you’re upright, especially if you cough or strain.
- A burning or aching sensation at the bulge.
- Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting.
- A heavy or dragging sensation in your groin.
What causes a direct inguinal hernia?
Direct inguinal hernias: This type of hernia usually occurs in adult males. These are most often caused by a weakness in the muscles of the abdominal wall that develops over time, or are due to straining or heavy lifting.
How can you tell if your hernia is direct or indirect?
If you’re a man and your doctor finds that the hernia has extended into your scrotum, the diagnosis is usually an indirect hernia. A direct hernia doesn’t follow that path through the inguinal ring into the scrotum. That means a hernia that forms one side of the groin or the other is most likely a direct hernia.
Do direct inguinal hernias need surgery?
Surgical repair is recommended for inguinal hernias that are causing pain or other symptoms and for hernias that are incarcerated or strangulated. Surgery is always recommended for inguinal hernias in children. Infants and children usually have open surgery to repair an inguinal hernia.
What does a direct hernia look like?
The hernia will look like a bulge or bump in the scrotum or groin region. Standing or bearing down with force will often make the bulge more noticeable. The bulge typically takes time to appear, but it can form suddenly after coughing, lifting heavy weights, straining, bending, or laughing.
What can be mistaken for inguinal hernia?
Femoral Hernias. Femoral hernias occur when a bit of tissue bulges through the lower belly and into the upper thigh, in the area just below the groin crease. Femoral hernias are sometimes mistaken for inguinal hernias because they occur in a nearby location.
How long is recovery after inguinal hernia?
Most people who have open hernia repair surgery are able to go home the same day. Recovery time is about 3 weeks. You most likely can return to light activity after 3 weeks. Strenuous exercise should wait until after 6 weeks of recovery.
Can a direct inguinal hernia repair itself?
Appearance and Treatment An inguinal hernia will not heal by itself and does require surgery to be repaired. Initially, the hernia may only be a small lump in the groin but can grow much larger over time.
What is an indirect inguinal hernia?
Indirect Inguinal Hernia is defined as a herniation of abdominal contents through deep inguinal ring (internal ring) into the inguinal canal along with the cord. Most common type of hernia (65%).
What are the symptoms of an inguinal hernia?
The symptoms of an inguinal hernia include a bulge in the groin area and pain, pressure, or aching at the bulge, especially when lifting, bending, or coughing. These symptoms usually subside during rest.
What to do about an inguinal hernia?
Having a hernia surgically repaired can relieve discomfort and prevent dangerous strangulation. The surgery for an inguinal hernia can be performed usually through minimal incision laparoscopy. Typically, a piece of mesh is surgically attached to the affected area, closing the hernia.
What doctor treats hernia?
Generally, a primary-care doctor will be able to diagnose and treat certain Hernia. They can initially treat many hernias. But definitive will usually require surgery. The hernia repair will typically be performed by a General Surgeon, depending upon the location of the Hernia.