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The scrotal hernia is formed by the displacement of the inguinal hernia, which enters the scrotum through the inguinal canal.
Why is a scrotal hernia formed?
The scrotal hernia most often affects infants and men. In the case of the first group, the hernia is caused by abnormalities during development in the prenatal period. At this stage of a person’s life, the testicles move to the scrotum through the inguinal canal, which, in the next stage, grows together. Failure to close the canal results in the formation of a scrotal hernia.
The ailment largely affects children who were born too early. It is related to the weakness of their muscles. Then there are gaps in the abdominal integuments. When a scrotal hernia occurs in adult men, it is often associated with being overweight or having problems urinating. Also, men struggling with chronic constipation or pulmonary embolism are more likely to develop a hernia.
What are the symptoms of a scrotal hernia?
In each case, the symptoms of a scrotal hernia look very similar. The ailment manifests itself in the form of a soft tumor located in the scrotum. Interestingly, the lump is more visible when you cough, tighten your muscles or defecate. Unfortunately, this type of hernia does not go away on its own. Additional symptoms of a scrotal hernia are burning, pain and a feeling of tightness.
Pain may spread to the testicle.
The youngest signal discomfort by crying and screaming. If we suspect we have a scrotal hernia, we should see our GP. They will perform a physical examination and, if necessary, may order an ultrasound and an X-ray. Then he will refer the patient to a surgeon. Our health should be very important to us, therefore the symptoms should not be ignored.
If we do not take appropriate steps, complications may occur. One of them is the entrapment of the scrotal hernia. This is a situation where the hernia is unable to move back into the abdominal cavity. The intestine is then compressed, leading to a lack of blood reaching it. The result of this situation may be ischemia, and then necrosis. Such a case is a direct threat to our lives. Therefore, the hernia should be drained until the day of surgery. If the baby is affected, the activity can be performed while the baby is asleep.
However, in the case of older people, the hernia can be drained during bathing. In both situations, the muscles are relaxed. Then you can gently press the lump with your finger and push it inside.
What does the treatment process look like?
When the doctor determines that we have a scrotal hernia, surgery is required. If the patient is an infant, the procedure should be waited until the child is 2 years old. In the case of a man, the operation can be performed at the earliest possible date. The scrotal hernia is removed by hernioplasty by the Bassini method. This method is based on the fact that the specialist uses the tissues of the patient’s abdominal wall. This method is the so-called “voltage” method. Therefore, there is a risk that the hernia will reappear.
Convalescence after surgery lasts from 4 to even 12 weeks.
There is another method, which is the Lichtenstein method. During the operation performed in this way, the doctor protects the operated area of the abdominal wall with a polypropylene mesh. Thanks to this method, the risk of the symptoms returning is lower. Convalescence is also shorter, it is a period from 1 to 3 weeks. Invasive treatment with the use of the laparoscopic technique is also possible. During such an operation, special guides are placed in the groin, thanks to which surgical instruments can be inserted. Then the operation is performed and a safety net is sewn in.
How to take care of yourself after surgery?
The patient should be aware that hernia surgery has an impact on his temporary performance. First of all, during the first month after the operation, you should not carry heavy things. If the patient is in a job that often requires physical strength, he should allow himself time to recover, which lasts for several weeks. However, it is worth remembering that movement after surgery is advisable. Doctors recommend frequent walking. As a result, the recovery process is accelerated.
Read also: Eunuchoidism – a disorder of the hormonal function of the testicles
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