Inguinal Hernias of the Bowel (from the Mayo Clinic)

Did you know that there are several types of hernia?

• Inguinal Hernia
• Umbilical Hernia
• Ventral Hernia
• Hiatal Hernia.

Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia, particularly for men, and occur when your intestines squeeze through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall. An inguinal hernia isn’t necessarily dangerous. However, it doesn’t improve on its own, and can lead to life-threatening complications. Your doctor is likely to recommend surgery to fix an inguinal hernia that’s painful or enlarging. Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical procedure.

Inguinal hernia signs and symptoms include:

• 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
• Weakness or pressure in your groin
• Occasionally, pain and swelling around the testicles when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum.

If you aren’t able to push the hernia in, the contents of the hernia may be trapped (incarcerated) in the abdominal wall. An incarcerated hernia can become strangulated, which cuts off the blood flow to the tissue that’s trapped. A strangulated hernia can be life-threatening if it isn’t treated.

Signs and symptoms of a strangulated hernia include:

• Nausea, vomiting or both
• Fever
• Sudden pain that quickly intensifies
• A hernia bulge that turns red, purple or dark
• Inability to move your bowels or pass flatus.

Seek immediate care if a hernia bulge turns red, purple or dark or if you notice any other signs or symptoms of a strangulated hernia.

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• Health & Wellbeing