A hernia corresponds to the displacement of an organ or part of an organ through a natural orifice of the organism. We are talking aboutinguinal hernia when the viscera pass through the abdominal wall at the level of the groin and more precisely at the level of the inguinal canal. The tissues that run through it are usually the peritoneum (the membrane that lines the abdomen) and the small intestine. Inguinal hernia is the most common hernia. Only one side of the body is usually affected but there are bilateral inguinal hernias.

The inguinal orifice, natural, is located at the fold of the groin and allows the spermatic cord to pass in men and the round ligament of the uterus in women. The spermatic cord contains, among other things, the vas deferens which carries sperm.

It is surrounded by muscles of the abdominal wall (like the transverse muscle). These can loosen and increase the diameter of the orifice. This is how parts of the digestive organs can rush into the canal where a passage has appeared. A lump may then be visible in the groin.

An inguinal hernia, which eventually results in a blistering at the groin, is sometimes painful. It is usually most noticeable when standing. It can increase in volume especially when coughing, leaning forward or lifting a heavy object or over time. The increased pressure in the abdomen may cause part of the stomach to come out.small intestine or colon. It can become annoying, for example when walking and can lead to transit disorders (such as constipation) if it increases in size and compresses surrounding tissues. Sometimes in men, there may be pain and swelling in the scrotum and around the testes if the intestine moves down through the inguinal opening.

Despite these possible serious complications, the inguinal hernia remains often not serious. It is said to be reducible when a simple manual pressure allows the portion of the displaced organ to be brought inside the abdomen.

The types of inguinal hernia

Inguinal hernia usually occurs in humans at the extreme ages of life.

In infants, the peritoneo-vaginal duct, which exists in both sexes and disappears just before childbirth, may persist and be the cause of a hernia. A small lump is visible in the groin, especially when the child is crying. It concerns boys more than girls.

When older, an inguinal hernia can develop, for example in case of muscle weakness. The weakened area may allow more passage to the viscera.

Diagnostic

A simple clinical examination is enough to diagnose an inguinal hernia. The general practitioner can detect a lump in the groin area, which is particularly visible when his patient is coughing. If the hernia is reducible, it is possible to simply pull the viscera up through the abdominal wall to its original location. Usually the hernia is easily reducible when lying down.

The doctor also asks his patient about his pain and symptoms.

Complications graves

The major complication of inguinal hernia is strangulation, which can be serious. Part of the intestine becomes trapped and can no longer be manually put back into the abdomen. The incarcerated hernia may turn red, purple, or very dark. Severe pain appears, as does nausea and vomiting. The intestinal transit no longer works. When part of the intestine is no longer properly irrigated by blocking the blood flow (called hernial strangulation), intestinal tissue can die. Bowel obstruction or peritonitis may appear. Prompt surgery is needed. So a medical consultation must be scheduled as soon as possible.

Causes

The cause of an inguinal hernia is not always known. Increased pressure in the abdomen can be responsible, as can overweight, muscle weakness, or a chronic cough.