Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal Hernia

I have noticed a lump in my groin region. It has increased in size and causes pain when I bend over, cough or lift things.

It has enlarged over time...

This condition can occur at a point of natural weakness: • In those with weakness in the abdominal wall since birth • Develops under increased pressure within the abdomen due to: 1. Lifting heavy objects 2. Chronic straining with difficult bowel movement and urination 3. Persistent coughing How do I know if I have Inguinal Hernia?

• Bulge under the skin in the groin area • Sudden pain in the groin area, especially when bending over, coughing and lifting

What is Inguinal Hernia?

Inguinal hernia is usually noticed as a lump seen in the groin region. It occurs when a portion of the tissue, usually part of the intestine, pushes through a weakened wall of the abdomen.

What if I decide not to undergo surgery?

The opening on the abdomen wall cannot heal by itself. Most inguinal hernias enlarge over time if they are not operated on. If intestines are trapped within the hernia, they may become blocked or lose their blood supply.

You should return to our Acute and Emergency Department if you have the following symptoms: •

Nausea and vomiting

•

Increasing abdominal pain

•

Bulge becomes painful or you are unable to push back into the abdomen

How are Inguinal Hernias treated?

Hernias are treated by an operation to push back the protruding intestine into the abdomen and repair the weak area in the abdominal wall.

This may require insertion of a mesh netting.

There are two methods to repair a hernia: Laparoscopic and Open Incision.

Laparoscopic Surgery is done using several tiny incisions rather than one large one.

Miniature instruments and a fiberoptic tube fitted with a camera are inserted into your abdomen through these incisions and the mesh placed to close the hernia.

Open Incision A skin incision is made directly over the hernia and the weakened area in the muscle wall is repaired (with or without mesh) after the hernia is pushed back into the abdomen.

Your doctor will recommend the appropriate and suitable surgery for your condition.

Laparoscopic

Open Incision

Type of Surgery

Day Surgery

Day Surgery

Incision

3 tiny cuts

5 cm cut

Anaesthesia

General

General / Regional

The duration for recovery depends on how the repair was performed and how large the hernia was.

Route to recovery DO • Take painkillers only when needed • Keep wound clean and dry • Showering is permitted • Follow up with appointment for review and removal of stitches if any • Apply ice packs over groin area to ease swelling and pain DO NOT • Do not lift heavy objects for the first 6 weeks • Do not overexert yourself for the first 6 weeks • Avoid strenuous activity before follow-up appointment

What are the risks?

• Difficulty in passing urine • Slight bleeding from wound • Build-up of blood or fluid at the operated site • Wound or mesh infection – fever, redness, discharge from the wound • Chronic groin pain or numbness • Swelling and bruising of scrotum • Recurrence of hernia When to seek medical attention • Persistent fever (>38.5ºC), chills • Persistent pain • Persistent nausea and vomiting • Swelling around the surgery site • Blood or yellowish fluid around the surgery site • Redness surrounding the incision site that is getting worse or bigger Please return to our Acute and Emergency Department immediately if any of the above occurs.

Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group.

Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.

GS.TS.06.0722