Swelling in your groin
Do you feel a swelling in your groin that gets bigger when you cough, strain, or stand? Then you may have an inguinal hernia, or an inguinal hernia. Such swelling can occur if there is a weak spot or opening in your abdominal wall. An inguinal hernia never goes away on its own and sometimes has to be corrected with surgery.
The border between your lower body and the upper legs is called the groin area or the groin. There is a part of the abdominal wall, which consists of your skin with fat, muscles and tendons underneath.
Sometimes there is a weak spot or an opening in the abdominal wall, the so-called hernia port. The peritoneum or part of the abdominal contents, such as a piece of intestine, can come out through this hernia port. You see this bulge as a swelling in the groin.
Cause
A weak spot in the abdominal wall can be congenital, but an inguinal hernia can also occur at a later age. This does happen when there is a lot of pressure or tension on the abdominal wall. For example, as a result of lifting a lot of heavy things, often straining due to constipation, coughing a lot or playing a wind instrument for a long time. Gradually, an opening appears in the abdominal wall. An inguinal hernia is getting bigger, so you notice it at some point.
Inguinal hernias are more common in men than in women: one in four men is affected by it.
How do you recognize an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia can often be recognized by a swelling in the groin. You can usually push it back, making it less visible. Even when you are lying down, the swelling is less noticeable. When standing, coughing and straining you can see the swelling better.
You may experience pain, a burning, stinging or aching sensation in the groin. These complaints can worsen if you bend over, strain, lift something heavy or have to cough. Sometimes an inguinal hernia does not cause any symptoms at all.
entrapment
The opening or weak spot in the abdominal wall does not heal on its own. It gets bigger and bigger, so more can bulge out. In rare cases, a piece of intestine gets stuck between the muscles of the abdominal wall and you can’t push it back. This is very painful and can also make you nauseous and vomit. With such a pinched inguinal hernia you should immediately contact your doctor. You will probably get a deaf referral to the hospital, where you will have a quick operation.
Hernia operation
An inguinal hernia operation is a short procedure of 45 minutes to about an hour. After an epidural or under general anesthesia, a surgeon makes a cut near the swelling. The bulged piece of intestine can then be pushed back into the abdominal cavity. The weak spot in the abdominal wall is closed and sometimes reinforced with a kind of mesh.
This procedure can also be performed with keyhole surgery. The surgeon then makes smaller incisions and uses a small camera to see what he is doing.
To the doctor?
Do you have an inguinal hernia, but the swelling does not cause any complaints and can you easily push it back? Then you don’t have to take any action yet. It helps if you reduce the pressure on your lower abdomen. For example, it makes a difference if you stop smoking, so that you cough less often. With a smooth bowel movement, you need to strain less, so avoid constipation by eating plenty of fiber, drinking plenty of fluids and exercising regularly. In addition, try to avoid heavy lifting.
Do contact your doctor if you suffer from the inguinal hernia. For example, if the swelling gets bigger or starts to feel more painful. If the inguinal hernia hurts, you can’t push the swelling back and you have to vomit, then you need to hurry. You may need inguinal hernia surgery soon.
