A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening in the body and can cause a dull ache or sharp pain, depending on its severity. Read on to learn about the two types of hernias men can suffer from, as well as ways to treat and cure them.
Caused by a protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening in the body, hernias affect approximately 5 million Americans according to the Hernia Resource Center. With a simple surgery, hernias can be cured, but without treatment, they can cause dull aches or even sharp pains. While both men and women can suffer from a hernia, men experience a special type of hernia called an inguinal, or groin hernia.
Two different types of groin hernias can affect men. One can result from the normal aging process, and the other can occur at birth.
Caused by aging
As a man ages, the muscular wall around his abdomen can weaken and, eventually, a hole can form, allowing an organ (like the intestine) or other tissue to poke through. Often the hernia can be seen and felt as a lump that doesn't disappear.
Present at birth
The second type of hernia occurs at birth. During the normal developmental process, a baby boy's testes move from the abdomen to the scrotum. As they move, the testes can stretch the lining of the abdomen. Normally, this area naturally grows together but, occasionally, it does not and can cause a groin hernia later in life. The open area allows a part of the intestine or other tissue to seep into the opening after a sudden pressure or force. Generally, hernias can be described as pressure or dull pain, and severe hernias can cause sharp pain. The only cure for a hernia is surgery, although gentle massage and rest can ease the pain.
Surgery required
If left untreated, a hernia won't improve over time, although it could be years before it worsens. You can take steps to ease the pain by losing weight and limiting activity, but the only cure is surgery.
Traditional procedures
To repair a hernia, a surgeon makes a large incision (about 6 inches) in the groin and pushes the protruding organ or tissue back in its place. The incision is then sewn up, and a specialized plastic patch is placed over it. Local anesthesia is administered during the procedure, and the patient is able to return home the same day.
Laparoscopic procedures
New technologies allow surgeons to perform hernia repair using small instruments with tiny cameras on the ends. The cameras help the surgeon view the operative area. In addition, the incisions are much smaller than traditional incisions, making the patient recovery time much quicker. Talk with your primary care provider about surgical options for hernia repair.
Peter A. Innes, M.D., and Patrick Schiefelbein, D.O., are general surgeons at Surgical Associates of Siloam Springs. They perform a variety of surgical services including laparoscopy, hernia repair, biopsy, colonoscopy and more. For more information, visit NW-Physicians.com or call 479-215-3040 to schedule an appointment today.
About Siloam Springs Regional Hospital
Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is a 73 licensed bed facility with 42 private patient rooms. It is accredited by the State of Arkansas Department of Health Services and The Joint Commission and was recognized as a four-star hospital by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Services include inpatient and outpatient surgery, emergency medicine, medical, surgical and intensive care units, obstetrics, outpatient diagnostic services and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. With more than 50 physicians on the medical staff, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital provides compassionate, customer-focused care. SSRH is an affiliate of Northwest Health, the largest health system in Northwest Arkansas. Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is located at 603 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs. For more information, visit NorthwestHealth.com.