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Inguinal hernia in men - consequences after surgery. Postoperative period after removal of inguinal hernia in men

Pathological changes muscle tissue, anatomical features and traumatic injuries can cause an inguinal hernia. This type of disease is more common among men, but women are also susceptible to this disease. Education of specific weak points leads to protrusion of organs in the groin area, hernial orifices are formed, which, in case of increased load or inadequate treatment pinch the structures present in the bag. The most severe consequences of an inguinal hernia are strangulation, which ends in necrotic damage or complete cessation of function of the strangulated organs.

A protrusion in the groin area can be right-sided or left-sided, the size of a pea or exceed ten centimeters. The progression of the disease is accompanied by the transition of part of the intestine into the scrotum due to a weak muscle wall. The protrusion is asymptomatic for a long time, until the influence of a stress factor (physical or emotional). A small protrusion is characterized by a gradual onset of symptoms, minor pain and discomfort. The pronounced clinical picture begins at the moment of formation of complications.

Inguinal hernia in men: consequences

Clinical symptoms of an inguinal hernia in men begin with a feeling of heaviness in the peritoneum and flatulence. Then comes pain in the pathological area, which intensifies during straining and lifting weights. A specific sign of an inguinal hernia is palpation of a small protrusion in the groin area, which early stage can be pushed into place.

A gradual increase in symptoms indicates the progression of the disease, it becomes difficult for a man to walk, bloating intensifies and disappears only after taking a horizontal position.

A strangulated hernia is a serious complication, accompanied by impaired circulation and loss of function of the strangulated organ. Infringement can be identified by a specific set of symptoms.

  • The appearance of blood in vomit and feces.
  • Frequent attacks of nausea and vomiting.
  • Excessive accumulation of gases in the intestines.
  • The pain in the groin gradually increases, becoming permanent.
  • The protrusion does not return to its place.

Important! A strangulated hernia in the groin area leads to gangrene, peritonitis, and lack of timely treatment leads to fatal outcome. Negative consequences protrusions are associated with non-compliance treatment regimen, experiencing stress and continuing to engage in heavy physical labor. In women, inguinal protrusion can develop during pregnancy, therefore, to prevent complications, it is recommended to wear a support bandage.

Frequent complications of inguinal protrusion among men:

  • inflammatory process of the contents of the hernial sac, symptoms include local redness, soreness, fever;
  • the inability to reduce the protrusion requires immediate surgical treatment, as it may indicate intestinal strangulation;
  • dysfunction of injured organs.

The listed consequences arise regardless of the doctor’s professionalism, but there are also complications that arise through the fault of the specialist. Postoperative complications occur frequently and can lead to the death of the patient, which is why it is so important for the patient to be aware of possible consequences and measures for their prevention.

Postoperative complications

After surgery to eliminate inguinal protrusion, men may experience unpleasant postoperative complications regarding genitourinary function.

What is the danger of an inguinal hernia after removal:

  • Pathology spermatic cord– in the process of removing the hernia sac, damage to the cord occurs, which is the result of the doctor’s inexperience or incorrect choice of treatment method. Such a consequence may result in a violation nervous regulation and the inability of a man to fertilize. Advanced pathology leads to hormone imbalance and testicular atrophy.
  • Violation of the integrity of the intestine in the process of improper removal of the hernia sac or damage Bladder if the position of the hernia sac is incorrectly determined.
  • Violation of the integrity of the femoral joint is a complication that occurs when rough sutures are applied.
  • Formation of a hematoma - occurs when it is impossible to stop the bleeding. To prevent this complication, apply ice and leave for two hours.
  • Infectious lesion - common complication with secondary penetration of infection into the surgical wound.
  • Dropsy - unilateral or bilateral enlargement of the scrotum may indicate such a complication.
  • Relapse of the disease occurs when the rules of the postoperative regimen are neglected.
  • Vein thrombosis - occurs in people with physical inactivity, and constant pain in the legs develops.

Important! Dropsy, as a complication of protrusion, occurs most often and is eliminated after repeated surgery.

Prevention of complications

Postoperative complications can be prevented by following preventive measures. For the first two days after surgery, you need to remain in bed and follow a gentle diet. All postoperative period you need to limit your physical activity, and after the stitches have healed, do special gymnastics.

A hernia is a protrusion of any organs under the skin. It occurs due to hereditary factors, injury, during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as when straining while going to the toilet or after lifting heavy objects. As a rule, a person with a hernia suffers from pain, and the protrusion brings a lot of trouble from the aesthetic side. The only way to combat the disease is to remove it through surgery.

Need to know

What to do if you are diagnosed with uterine adenomyosis?
Application oral contraceptives. Contraceptives estrogen inhibits, and as their level decreases, the manifestations of adenomyosis decrease or disappear completely. This is very effective method in the initial stages of the disease, which quickly restores the ability to become pregnant.

An inguinal hernia can be reducible or irreducible. In the first case, the protrusion can be moved inward by hand, that is, the defect can be reduced. And in the second case, it is impossible to straighten the protrusions on your own; tissue is pinched. To the groin strangulated hernia did not cause more harm, urgent surgery is necessary. The surgeon will make an incision, put the contents of the hernia in its place or completely remove the inguinal sac, strengthen the weak tissues and sew up the wound.

After the operation, the patient needs rehabilitation, which can last up to one year, depending on the individual. The patient spends the very first week in the hospital under the supervision of doctors. After the operation, you are allowed to walk independently after 2 hours, but only a little. Bed rest and medication are the main treatment at first. After a week or a little more, the patient’s stitches are removed and he is discharged home. But this is provided that the operation went without complications, and rehabilitation after the inguinal hernia operation also lasted without problems. In most cases, patients return home on their own, on their feet.

At first, a person will feel pain, this is quite normal; to reduce it, painkillers are prescribed. A bandage is applied to the wound, and dressings are done every day. When discharged home, the doctor gives some recommendations, in particular these:

  • do not lift weights - more than 5 kg in the first days, subsequently physical exercise it needs to be done, but gradually. Assign physical therapy maybe a doctor;
  • wear a bandage, the duration of stay in the bandage is determined by the doctor depending on individual factors;
  • after taking a bath, you need to powder your skin with baby powder to avoid irritation;
  • drink more fluids and avoid constipation;
  • Always keep the dressing clean to prevent infection of the wound;
  • keep your diet under control, it is better to eat in 4-5 meals, but little by little. Especially use products with high content protein, thanks to which the regeneration of damaged tissues will occur faster - chicken, mushrooms, fish, milk and dairy products.

Sick leave can last up to one and a half months, and the patient must follow all the doctor’s recommendations. If the patient has the unfortunate habit of smoking, then he needs to get rid of it. This is because smokers have a characteristic cough, and after surgery to remove a hernia, the cough can cause an increase in internal pressure, which leads to rupture of the sutures.

A month after the operation, you can establish your stable life, that is, play sports, go to work, go on vacation. Walls abdominal cavity will finally get stronger and accept normal condition in six months.

By following these recommendations, the postoperative period will pass without complications, and you don’t have to worry that the inguinal hernia will reappear. If the patient requires a second operation, it should be performed only after a six-month period.

Rehabilitation after removal of an inguinal hernia

Since an inguinal hernia most often occurs due to muscle weakness, during the postoperative period important point become preventive actions, aimed at strengthening the muscle wall of the abdomen and groin area.

What determines the duration of the rehabilitation period?

Duration of recovery period for male or female female body is directly proportional to the method of hernia repair used and the type of anesthesia.

Duration of outpatient period after surgical intervention is from 8 to 10 days. At this time, patients are advised to remain mostly in bed, save energy, and avoid physical activity. They are prescribed a special diet.

Regular visits to the doctor are also a prerequisite. Medical observation allows you to quickly respond to changes that occur, if necessary, take measures to control the intensity of pain and change tactics aimed at rapid recovery after surgery on an inguinal hernia.

During the outpatient period, physical activity (including light exercises) is prohibited. The duration of abstinence from physical activity is determined by the attending physician. But in the future they are extremely necessary, since with the help of a special complex it is possible to significantly strengthen muscle fibers, increase their tone, thanks to which you can avoid reappearance hernias

Goals of the rehabilitation period at a later date

After a certain time has passed after surgery, the main goal is to eliminate provoking factors that could potentially provoke a relapse of the disease. The following activities are carried out:

  • strengthening the muscle corset in the abdominal area;
  • uniform distribution of physical activity;
  • measures for the prevention and treatment of predisposing pathologies that are accompanied chronic constipation or prolonged cough;
  • getting rid of excess weight, the presence of which significantly increases the load on the abdominal wall, leading to its weakening;
  • getting rid of bad habits– in particular, this applies to smoking, which contributes to rapid wear of muscle tissue, premature manifestation of signs of muscle aging and provoking coughing attacks (all these factors can cause a recurrence of the hernia)

Causes of pain syndrome

It has already been said about the dependence of the method of rehabilitation after excision of an inguinal hernia on the chosen anesthesia.

Basically, after four hours, patients can move independently. In this case, aching or cutting pain may appear, localized in the area of ​​the incision.

Origin pain syndrome can be different.

  1. Its appearance may be evidence of the process of wound healing, tissue restoration and fusion, since during surgical incision of soft tissues small areas of nerve fibers are damaged, which leads to increased sensitivity of the operated area.
  2. Another cause of pain after inguinal hernia surgery is tissue swelling.
  3. Probability of occurrence pain largely due to the thoroughness of surgical intervention. Insufficient qualifications of the doctor causes incorrect manipulation of tissues, leading to unnecessary injury.
  4. Pain does not in all cases indicate problems with scar healing. It may be of muscular or neurological origin.
  5. Significant stress in the postoperative period sometimes provokes a relapse of the disease, which causes severe pain. In this case, it becomes necessary to repeat the operation.
  6. Pain syndrome may indicate external or internal divergence surgical sutures

During the recovery period

In most cases, the operation is performed in the morning.

In the evening, the first dressing is performed. Mostly discharge is observed from the wound, which is normal.

During the outpatient period, dressings should be performed daily. They may last longer if the stitches become suppurated and the pain increases.

If using silk suture material removal of sutures is indicated from the fifth to the seventh days. Recently, more and more doctors prefer the use of self-absorbable catgut sutures, thanks to which it is possible to achieve maximum invisibility of the scar.

Drug treatment in the postoperative period after removal of an inguinal hernia depends on the presence of certain symptoms.

In case of severe pain, painkillers are used immediately after the intervention and in the early period.

In case of complications the following are prescribed:

  • antibiotic therapy;
  • medicines to improve tissue trophism;
  • vitamins and minerals that help strengthen the walls of blood vessels;
  • immunomodulators (drugs to strengthen the immune system).

As for physical activity, it is advisable to exclude it for the first 10-20 days. You can then gradually return to your normal routine, avoiding intense exercise and lifting heavy objects weighing more than 5 kg.

Read more about the characteristics of the disease in adults and children.

Do you need a bandage?

Therapeutic bandages are intended to prevent the development of hernias, and if they are present, to prevent an increase in protrusion and prevent strangulation.

In the period after surgery, these products help to avoid muscle strain and reduce the load on the abdominal muscles, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of relapses and complications.

Wearing an inguinal bandage ensures uniform distribution of external load and intra-abdominal pressure on the operated area, reduces compression on the scar area, which promotes its rapid healing.

The duration of use of the bandage is determined by the doctor depending on the initial size of the hernial protrusion, the contents of the sac, the duration of the operation and its complexity.

However, such a preventive measure is not necessary: ​​the use of the latest surgical methods ensures reliable fixation of the areas of inguinal hernia through the use of mesh implants.

Such bandages will be useful during the initial period after surgery, when pain still persists, and when resuming physical activity.

Diet after excision of inguinal hernia

Patients after inguinal hernia surgery are prescribed special nutrition. The diet is designed in such a way as to reduce the likelihood of intestinal disorders (diarrhea, constipation, increased gas formation) to a minimum, and improve the functioning of the digestive system.

Proper nutrition prevents complications and reduces the risk of recurrence of inguinal hernia.

  • During the recovery period, emphasis should be placed on liquid food.
  • Portions should be small.
  • You should eat without haste, chewing your food thoroughly.
  • Four meals a day are optimal.
  • Particular attention should be paid to protein products: their presence in sufficient quantities is a necessary condition for the rapid restoration of muscle tissue. The diet should include: chicken breast, turkey meat, fish, cottage cheese (preferably low-fat), eggs, milk. Milk is not indicated for individual intolerance: in this case, its consumption can cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract and increased gas formation.
  • It is also necessary to exclude other foods that lead to flatulence: yeast products, legumes, chocolate, sweets, baked goods, dairy products, fruits, yogurt.
  • It is better to give up coffee.
  • Hot, spicy, sour foods (including vegetables and fruits that have a sour taste) should be avoided.
  • All soda and alcohol should be excluded from drinks.
  • Attention must also be paid to the compatibility of simultaneously consumed products. An unsuccessful combination also causes intestinal disorders, accumulation of gases and, as a result, increased pressure inside the abdominal cavity. This leads to a significant risk of disease recurrence.

Possible complications

Any surgical intervention to a certain extent leads to the destruction of the integrity of connective tissue and is an artificial penetration into the human body, to which the body can react in a rather unpredictable way.

This also applies to the removal of an inguinal hernia. It may be followed by a fairly short rehabilitation, when recovery proceeds at a very rapid pace. But another scenario is also possible, in which a number of complications arise. Their reasons can be very different: non-compliance with the rules of the postoperative period, infection, etc.

Most frequent consequences after surgery for inguinal hernia are:

1. Suture suppuration - occurs after many surgical interventions, leading to pain and increased temperature in the affected area.

2. Relapse of the disease is often a consequence of the patient ignoring the doctor’s recommendations. The risk of recurrence of a hernia increases significantly:

  • in case of diet violation;
  • as a result of increased physical activity;
  • due to smoking (it provokes coughing attacks, which cause the protrusion to reappear);
  • due to refusal to wear a bandage;
  • The cause of hernia recurrence may be an incorrectly performed operation or an incorrect choice of surgical procedure;
  • re-development of the pathology is also possible in case of weakness of the walls of the inguinal canal or insufficient strengthening back wall during the operation.

3. Formation of hematomas. Small-sized formations are eliminated through the use of compressive bandages and cold compresses. For large hematomas, puncture is used to eliminate them.

4. Damage to blood vessels, nerves, elements of the spermatic cord. Such complications are the result of surgeon errors. Sufficient qualifications of the doctor reduces the likelihood of their occurrence to a minimum.

  • If nerves are damaged, there is a decrease or loss of sensation in the postoperative period skin in the scrotal area and on the inner thighs.
  • When part of the spermatic cord is injured, it suffers sexual function- up to the development of infertility.
  • Damage vascular system spermatic cord can cause testicular atrophy.

5. Hydrocele (hydroxycele) is one of the most common complications after hernioplasty.

With unilateral dropsy, half of the scrotum becomes enlarged.

Bilateral dropsy often develops, as a result of which bilateral enlargement of the scrotum occurs, sometimes reaching such a degree that it leads to difficulty and limitation motor activity patient. The occurrence of hydrocele requires mandatory surgical intervention: conservative therapy is not indicated for this disease.

6. Thrombosis of deep veins of the legs. Most often, this complication occurs in elderly and debilitated patients. The disease is manifested by the presence of pain in calf muscles. Appearance the legs do not undergo changes, the temperature remains within normal limits.

The main treatment for this type of thrombosis is pharmacotherapy. It includes:

  • anticoagulants;
  • thrombolytic drugs;
  • fibrinolytics;
  • disaggregants.

Correct selection of drugs for conservative treatment basically gives positive results, prevents further development of thrombosis and helps restore the patency of the affected vessels.

7. Intestinal dysfunction. This complication is caused by improper treatment of the hernial sac. Most often this happens during excision of sliding type hernias.

8. Damage to the hip joint - is a consequence of applying too rough sutures to the incision in the groin area.

9. Infectious complications are quite rare, but the most dangerous consequences removal of inguinal hernia. If necessary, patients are prescribed a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Exercises

In the first weeks after the operation, patients are advised to rest.

Then you need to gradually move on to implementing physical exercise. In the initial period, only light movements aimed at strengthening are allowed muscle fibers in the abdomen and groin area, helping to restore their tone. Don't forget to consult your doctor about exercise!

The following exercises are recommended:

  1. Lie on the floor, stretch your arms along your body. Raise your straight legs at an angle of 45 degrees to the floor surface and cross them. This famous exercise is called “Scissors”. It is performed to increase. You can start with 3-4 repetitions for each leg, adding one each subsequent time.
  2. Lying on your back, raise your legs and begin to imitate riding a bicycle. On the first day, it is enough to do 5 repetitions.
  3. Get on all fours, leaning on your knees and elbows. Slowly raise your right bent leg up. After repeating five times, perform the same movements with your left leg.
  4. Lie on your left side, extend your arm forward, straighten your legs. Raise your right leg up. Repeat 5 times. Turn to the right side and perform the same movement.
  5. Taking a seated position, put your leg forward. Bend your knee, lean on it with your hands, and begin slow rocking. Change legs and repeat the entire cycle of movements.
  6. Do partial squats (feet shoulder-width apart). The depth of squats is determined by how you feel. In any case, moderation should be observed.
  7. Lying emphasis. A full push-up is performed. To make the exercise easier, lean on your knees.

The described complex is suitable for daily use. During training, you need to focus on your feelings. If discomfort or pain occurs, you must stop charging immediately.

Loads should be increased gradually. The number of repetitions increases or decreases depending on the progress of rehabilitation. If weakness appears, it is better to temporarily stop exercising.

Execution of any complex therapeutic exercises permitted only after consultation with your doctor.

Sex during the postoperative period

Sex in early dates after surgery, an inguinal hernia can provoke a number of undesirable consequences:

  • increased pain syndrome;
  • increased swelling;
  • development of hematomas;
  • bleeding;
  • the appearance of wound infection;
  • cutting seams;
  • implant displacement.

If the rehabilitation period is normal, there is no swelling, pain, or discomfort, intimate relationships can be resumed 14 days after hernia surgery, avoiding pressure on the operated area and excessive tension.

How long does the postoperative period last?

Despite the fact that the operation is simple, the recovery time is different men is spent differently. This directly depends on the type of anesthesia that was used during the intervention.


When anesthetizing with local anesthesia, recovery time takes an order of magnitude less, since the patient is conscious. If no unforeseen postoperative complications arise, the man leaves the hospital 5-6 hours after the operation.

However, you must visit the treatment room every day. Doctors will bandage and monitor the condition of the suture. This will allow timely diagnosis possible complications.

If during the operation you used general anesthesia, the body may need a day or two to finally move away from it. In this case, if there are no complications, the man is discharged after a few days, usually no later than five.

The first weeks after surgery, any physical activity is prohibited. However, as soon as the patient recovers, it is advisable to perform a gymnastic set of strengthening exercises. This will prevent possible complications and relapse of the disease.

Advice! Do not refuse to perform the complex gymnastic exercises, as soon as the attending physician considers it possible to perform it. This will speed up recovery after surgery.

What complications may arise?

Any surgical intervention, especially abdominal surgery, is stressful for the body. If a man is strong, he will recover without any consequences in a short period, but sometimes unforeseen complications may arise, provoked by various factors. What can interfere with rehabilitation?

  • Bacteria entering the wound. This can happen if the operating room environment was not completely sterile. To prevent infection of the wound and suppuration of the suture, the patient is prescribed a course of antibiotics.
  • The appearance of hematomas. If a cold compress or ice is not applied to the patient immediately after surgery, hematomas may form.
  • Damage to the spermatic cord. Most often this happens due to insufficient qualifications of the doctor. When removing the hernial sac, the doctor may accidentally damage the cord, so he should act with extreme caution. This is a rather serious complication, as it can cause infertility.
  • Dropsy of one or both testicles. Manifests itself as an enlargement of the scrotum. This complication can only be treated surgically.
  • Deep vein thrombosis of the legs. Most often it occurs in older men; they are bothered by persistent pain in the calves. The complication is treated with medication, using thrombolytic drugs and anticoagulants.
  • Damage to the hip joint. This may occur if the stitches were applied too roughly.
  • Relapse of the disease. First of all, it is provoked by the patient’s negligent attitude towards the doctor’s recommendations. Giving up diet, returning to bad habits, excessive physical activity and increased activity immediately after rehabilitation - all this can greatly delay the recovery process. Therefore, you should take the postoperative period as responsibly as possible to avoid the return of the disease. The opposite phenomenon is that the patient begins to take care of himself too much and refuses any physical activity. It's relaxing muscle tone body.

Why does pain occur after surgery?

There are situations when the patient carefully follows all the doctor’s instructions, but he is still very bothered by pain in the groin area. Perhaps they are caused by swelling in the suture area or indicate the formation of an adhesive process. If the surgical intervention was performed carelessly, the soft tissue fibers are severely injured and the patient will feel discomfort for a long time.


But if the pain is sharp, unbearable, this may indicate a recurrence of the hernia, or discrepancy inseam, so you should consult a doctor immediately.

Advice! If in the background sharp pain in the area of ​​the seam, a high temperature has risen, you need to immediately call an ambulance.

Do I need to wear a bandage?

Modern surgery uses mesh implants to secure the site of hernia formation, so the doctor may not prescribe wearing a postoperative bandage. But if the doctor considers that there are still objective reasons for wearing a bandage, this appointment should not be neglected. The bandage is put on without getting out of bed. It should firmly fix the body, and to prevent irritation from forming underneath, the skin can be powdered with baby powder.

A properly formulated diet has great importance to shorten for the rehabilitation period. First of all. It should be aimed at normalizing work gastrointestinal tract patient, that is, to prevent either constipation or diarrhea. An inguinal hernia in men puts pressure on the intestines, so after surgery there is no need to overload it.

What products should be excluded:

  • all leading to increased gas formation. These include apples, grapes, cabbage, legumes, tomatoes, radishes, Rye bread, baking from yeast dough;
  • foods that cause constipation and are hard on the stomach: fatty meat and fish, millet porridge, rich soups, smoked meats and various preserves;
  • Carbonated drinks are excluded from drinks, including regular mineral water, coffee, strong tea, kvass, beer, and natural village milk. Under strict ban alcoholic products are located.

What foods should be included in the diet during the rehabilitation period? For several days after the operation, the food consumed should be liquid and as dietary as possible: vegetable broths, low-fat broths chicken meat, for example, from breast, jelly, pureed cottage cheese, steam cutlets from lean meat, white dried bread, dried fruits steamed with boiling water. You are allowed to eat one soft-boiled or hard-boiled egg per day.

Gymnastic exercise set

You can start doing gymnastics no earlier than your doctor allows. Here are some effective exercises:

  1. 1 "Bicycle". Lie on your back, put your hands behind your head, make movements with your legs as if pedaling a bicycle.
  2. 2 "Scissors". Lie on your back, raise your legs and cross them.
  3. 3 Lie on your side, rest your head on your outstretched arm. Perform upward swings with your leg 10 times, then change sides and swing with the other leg.
  4. 4 From a prone position. Alternately pull the left knee towards the right elbow, and the right knee towards the left elbow with twisting movements.
  5. 5 Breathing with weights. Lie on your back, put a weight on your stomach, when inhaling, try to push your stomach out as much as possible, and when exhaling, on the contrary, pull it in.

By secret

  • You may suddenly feel twinges of pain.
  • Are you tired of wearing a special corset?
  • You are “addicted” to painkillers.
  • You may have tried a bunch of medications, but nothing helps.
  • And you are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that will help you get rid of it.

Inguinal hernia is a disease that affects men in 90–95% of cases.

This is due to the specific anatomical structure: In men, the groin is wider and has weaker connective tissues. And if the connective tissues of the inguinal canal are not strong, then with any physical stress the organs of the peritoneum can come out, under the skin.

Conservative treatment methods for inguinal hernias are not used. Therefore, the question of how the operation proceeds and how long it will take to recover after it is of particular interest.

An inguinal hernia is a partial prolapse of the peritoneal organs (omentum, bladder, intestines) through the inguinal canal into the hernial sac.

Externally, a hernial protrusion looks like a spherical or oval formation in the groin, which causes almost no discomfort.

In itself, such a hernia is not dangerous: the patient can go without treatment for a long time. It does not interfere with a full life, does not affect sexual activity and often does not even hurt.

However, a hernia is a time bomb. Any awkward movement can lead to pinching and compression of organs trapped in the hernial sac.

Inflammation develops rapidly, affects all organs of the reproductive system, leads to disruption of blood supply and tissue death. This condition threatens the patient's life.

Causes

An inguinal hernia is formed due to weakness of the anterior abdominal wall, high blood pressure inside the peritoneum or due to impaired testicular descent ( inguinoscrotal hernia).

Common causes of inguinal hernia in men:

  • weakness of the muscles and ligaments of the peritoneum;
  • abdominal injuries, unsuccessful surgery or non-compliance with doctor’s recommendations during the rehabilitation period;
  • underdevelopment of the abdominal press;
  • excessive physical activity, frequent lifting of heavy objects;
  • disruption of the stomach and intestines (constipation, flatulence, vomiting);
  • respiratory diseases accompanied by coughing or sneezing;
  • diseases associated with inflammation of the prostate gland or genital organs, genitourinary infections;
  • overweight.

The hereditary factor is also important. Congenital weakness of connective tissues and muscles, the size of the opening of the inguinal canal are anatomical features that are inherited.

However, even if there is birth defects An inguinal hernia does not always occur: its formation requires serious physical activity.

Symptoms

initial stage The disease is accompanied by the appearance of a small tumor in the groin area. It is absolutely painless, has a soft and elastic structure, horizontal position the body is almost invisible.

After some time, the compaction takes on a spherical or oval shape.

Symptoms:

  • round formation , which can be seen with the naked eye;
  • upon palpation elastic seal, but after a sudden movement or clearing of the throat, it tenses and pulsates slightly;
  • after long walk or physical activity occurs light nagging pain in the groin area, lower back, hip joints, discomfort when walking;
  • when a part of the intestine gets into a hernia, it occurs nausea and vomiting, bloating, constipation;
  • with partial protrusion of the bladder appear problems with urination.

When the organs located in the hernial sac are compressed, the patient’s condition sharply worsens:

  • the temperature rises, severe weakness;
  • arises sharp pain in the lower abdomen;
  • vomiting begins;
  • intestinal obstruction, constipation appears;
  • the stomach tenses;
  • no bowel movement;
  • the hernial protrusion becomes hard, painful, and does not decrease when taking a horizontal position.

Symptoms of a strangulated inguinal hernia are similar to typical signs appendicitis. If these symptoms occur, the patient is immediately hospitalized and operated on.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis and treatment is carried out by a surgeon.

The following methods are used to diagnose an inguinal hernia:

  • inspection and palpation of the hernial protrusion;
  • Ultrasound of the peritoneum and groin area;
  • cystography;
  • radiography with contrast (herniography and irrigoscopy);
  • diaphanoscopy (examination of the hernial sac with a lamp).

Particularly important differential diagnosis, since the external signs of an inguinal hernia resemble the symptoms of lymphadenitis, varicocele, spermatic cord cyst, and hydrocele.

Treatment

Inguinal hernia is treated exclusively by surgical methods: treatment without surgery is ineffective.

Conservative methods And folk remedies do not give reliable results, therefore they are used only during the postoperative recovery period.

Types of operations

The operation to remove such a hernia takes 50–60 minutes and includes 4 stages:

  • creating access to the contents of the hernial sac (incision, puncture);
  • reduction or removal of a hernia;
  • removal of the hernial sac;
  • suturing the inguinal ring or installing a mesh implant.

IN modern clinics perform two types of operations:

  • open, when the defect is eliminated through an incision on the surface of the hernial sac;
  • endoscopic (laparoscopic), when the hernia is sutured with special endoscopic equipment through 3 punctures on the abdomen.

Endoscopic surgery does not require long-term rehabilitation: the patient feels better within a couple of days after removal of the hernia.

But laparoscopic surgery, according to reviews, has a higher cost than traditional surgery.

Methods for eliminating a hernia

To strengthen the walls of the inguinal canal, the patient’s own tissue or a synthetic mesh implant can be used.

The first method is used less frequently due to its low effectiveness: after it there is a high risk of re-development of the hernia (30%).

The second method is more common. A synthetic mesh is inserted into the patient's body, which is secured with several sutures to the damaged area.

It is not rejected by the body, so after a short time it grows connective tissue and forms a dense frame that securely holds the organs within the peritoneum.

The percentage of relapses in this case is small (1–3%).

Recovery period and consequences after surgery

Rehabilitation period lasts about a month. The patient is in the hospital for 1–2 days. At this time, bandages are applied to the operated area; the suture may hurt and fester.

After a week, the stitches are removed. After this, the patient must wear a postoperative inguinal hernia bandage for a month and avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting.

It is advisable to perform recovery procedures: visit exercise therapy and a swimming pool.

The patient must adhere to the following diet:

  • exclude from the diet foods that can lead to diarrhea or constipation (smoked meats, fatty meats, carbonated water, spicy and sweet foods);
  • give preference to liquid and soft foods, rich in proteins(eggs, fish, cottage cheese, lean meat);
  • Take food in small portions, chew it thoroughly.

Such a diet will help to avoid digestive problems and, accordingly, increased intra-abdominal pressure.

Complications

An inguinal hernia is dangerous because it is not accompanied by a clear severe symptoms causing discomfort.

Men usually do not pay attention to a suspicious tumor in the groin area. But in vain.

An inguinal hernia can lead to the following complications:

  • strangulation of the contents of the hernial sac;
  • inflammation of the hernia or testicle;
  • bladder dysfunction;
  • intestinal obstruction (coprostasis);
  • peritonitis.

This is why an inguinal hernia should be treated immediately after detection.

Prevention

Preventive measures, preventing the formation of an inguinal hernia:

  • refusal of severe physical work;
  • abdominal muscle training;
  • proper nutrition;
  • elimination of diseases leading to increased intra-abdominal pressure.

Even if a man has hereditary predisposition and congenital pathologies of the inguinal canal, he can prevent organ prolapse by following these simple rules.

An inguinal hernia is an unpredictable disease. Often, life-threatening complications can appear in just a few hours: in the morning the man did not even think about the operation, and in the evening he is already lying on the operating table in critical condition. Therefore, be attentive to your health!

If you find unusual formations in the groin area, visit the clinic and consult with a surgeon.

It can be almost painless, but it is necessary to listen to the doctor’s recommendations and follow all instructions for the rehabilitation period.

Depending on several factors, the time frame for the recovery period is determined. This may be influenced age characteristics the patient, body constitution, lifestyle and many other related factors.

It is worth noting that a person who leads a healthy and active image life can easily adapt after surgery. He will not experience severe pain or discomfort. The same applies to young people, for whom the recovery period is several times faster and easier. For elderly people and in a sedentary manner life, with many bad habits and accompanying chronic diseases This period can be very difficult.

Consequences after surgery

All possible surgical penetration is a violation of the integrity of tissues and interference in the human body. All people's reactions to such intervention may be completely different, and it is unknown how the body will behave after this. The postoperative period after an inguinal hernia can pass quite quickly and the person will soon return to normal life.

But there are situations when, after surgery, recovery processes are slow and the reasons for this may be an infection that entered the body during the operation due to the fault of the surgeon or during the healing period of the suture. Therefore, it is extremely important to follow all the doctor’s recommendations, since this situation can provoke pain after surgery.

Also common complications include suppuration of the suture, which is accompanied by severe pain And high temperature operated area.

In the case where there is suppuration in the area of ​​the scar, the period postoperative rehabilitation increases. In addition, the risk of a recurrent hernia increases. Therefore, the patient needs to visit the doctor more often for dressing changes to eliminate possible problems.

Pain during the postoperative period

Despite following all the doctor’s recommendations, making adjustments to the diet and complete rest, some patients experience pain in the area of ​​the operated area. This may be a consequence of the seam overgrowing, muscle tissue restoration, or other reasons.

There are situations when unprofessional performance of the operation increases the risk of discomfort in the suture area. This occurs due to injury nerve endings V soft tissues. The occurrence of sharp pain in the postoperative period may indicate re-formation of the hernia, which is fraught with a similar operation.

If the patient lifts weights during recovery, this can also cause pain or suture dehiscence, which is serious. postoperative complication. Damage to blood vessels and hematomas can also be the cause painful sensations during the recovery period. They can be eliminated by using tight bandages and cold compresses. In order to cope with large hematomas, puncture is used.

Duration of the rehabilitation period

The postoperative period of an inguinal hernia directly depends on which method of anesthesia was chosen for the operation. If the surgical intervention was performed under local anesthesia, then the chances of a quick recovery of the body are quite high and the rehabilitation period will, of course, be shorter. In most cases, the patient leaves the hospital the next day. But a visit to the doctor for dressing and examination is mandatory.

In case of an operation under general anesthesia recovery takes 1-2 days. For 7-10 days after surgery, it is advisable for the patient to adhere to bed rest and a certain diet.

Any exercise in the postoperative period is strictly contraindicated, but physical exercises to strengthen the abs and muscle corset should not be postponed for a long period. After all, it is these exercises that will help avoid the occurrence of repeated inguinal hernias. If all medical instructions are followed, the postoperative period will pass without complications, and full recovery noted after 30-35 days.

Important measures during the postoperative period

Some time after the operation, it is advisable for the patient to follow certain recommendations and adhere to a special regime. In addition, you need to pay attention to the following important nuances:

  • performing exercises to maintain abdominal muscle tone;
  • objective assessment of physical activity;
  • preventive measures to eliminate problems that cause constipation;
  • weight normalization, getting rid of extra pounds;
  • giving up bad habits, especially smoking, which has a very detrimental effect on muscle tissue and causes severe attacks cough, and this, in turn, can cause a postoperative inguinal hernia.

Drug therapy in the postoperative period

An inguinal hernia requires special attention from doctors and the patient himself. After all, how successful the outcome of the operation will be will depend on how the patient behaves in relation to his own health.

If complications occur, doctors often prescribe drug therapy, thanks to which it is possible to cope with pain and inflammatory symptoms in the postoperative period. Treatment is with antibiotics, vitamin complexes and drugs that enhance immunity. It is also important to use products that improve nutrition and tissue restoration.

Exercise and physical activity

In the first 2-3 weeks after surgery to remove an inguinal hernia, the patient should remain at rest and completely avoid physical activity. After this period, you need to start doing light abdominal exercises. The maximum weight that such patients are allowed to lift is no more than 5 kg.

Before starting classes, you need to consult and recommend a doctor regarding certain physical exercises. The set of exercises that will be recommended must be performed daily, but carefully monitor your condition, do not do it through force or pain, listen to your feelings. And in case of discomfort or pain, it is better to stop exercising.

The load should increase gradually, and if you feel weak or unwell, then the exercises should be postponed for a while. It is also worth noting that you must abstain from sexual relations for 14-20 days after surgery to eliminate an inguinal hernia. If you start at an earlier date, this is fraught with complications and undesirable consequences, of which the following should be noted:

  • development of edema and hematomas;
  • the appearance of pain;
  • suture tears and bleeding;
  • the occurrence of infection;
  • displacement of the mesh implant, if any.

Exercises to strengthen muscle tone

  • Position – lying on the floor, arms free along the body. Raise your straightened legs up, keeping an angle of 45 degrees from the floor and perform the “scissors” exercise, which involves a kind of alternating crossing. Do 5-6 repetitions for each leg. You can add 1 time daily.
  • The “bicycle” exercise is performed using the same principle. To begin with, 6 revolutions will be enough.
  • Stand on all fours, with emphasis on your knees and elbows. Slowly raise your leg, bent at the knee, up. Do 5 reps. Then with the other foot.
  • Squats. In this exercise, it is important to listen to how you feel. Don't squat too deeply. 4-6 squats will be enough.
  • Push-ups. On initial stage You can perform the exercise while lying down, standing on your knees, to lighten the load a little.
  • Lying on your left side, arm in front, legs straight. Raise your right leg up. Perform 5-6 times. Roll over onto your right side. Repeat for the left leg.

Should I use a bandage?

There are special devices that are used in for preventive purposes against the development of inguinal hernias, and this. In the postoperative period, this device will help to avoid excessive muscle stretching and reduce the load on the abdominal muscles, which serves as a guarantee against relapse or complications.

With constant use of the bandage, the load and pressure are uniformly placed on the area after surgery, due to which fast healing. The period of use of the bandage is chosen by the doctor, referring to the complexity of the operation, the size of the hernia and the patient’s condition.

But with all this, there is no urgent need to use a bandage, since modern surgical methods make it possible to reliably secure areas damaged by a hernia using mesh implants. Wearing a bandage is useful for the first time after surgery when there is pain or when doing physical exercise.

Those patients who have undergone surgery to repair an inguinal hernia need special nutrition and a certain diet. The menu should be compiled taking into account the occurrence of disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract. Balanced diet, avoiding certain foods will help prevent complications and reduce the risk of recurrent hernia.

So, during the rehabilitation period it is necessary to give preference to liquid food. The diet should be frequent, in small portions. Special attention during this period, foods rich in protein are deserved. Thanks to them, muscle tissue recovery will be faster. The menu requires the presence of such products chicken fillet, cottage cheese, fish, eggs, milk.

You should also include foods containing fiber in your diet. Porridge should be well pureed. It is very useful to eat one soft-boiled chicken egg per day.

It is advisable to exclude sweets, chocolate, coffee, legumes and baked goods. It is necessary to monitor the compatibility of products, since an unsuccessful combination can cause increased gas formation, which will increase intra-abdominal pressure.

Where possible it is necessary to comply separate meals. Equally important is adequate fluid intake, which will help avoid constipation and remove waste products and toxins. You need to drink at least 7 glasses a day clean water. Herbal decoctions, jelly and fruit drinks will be useful.

Hernia surgery price

There is no need to sit idly by and wait for the moment when the problem disappears or worsens. The hernia may become strangulated, requiring emergency surgery. Read more about strangulated inguinal hernias.

At the slightest symptoms formation of a hernia, you need to contact the clinic as soon as possible professional help. The cost of hernia surgery may depend on several factors:

  • neglect of the disease;
  • the complexity of the upcoming operation;
  • materials used;
  • type of anesthesia.

It is worth remembering that each specific case is the price of normal and healthy life. There is no need to pay with your health, you just need to contact an experienced plastic surgeon.

Cost of surgery using incision method abdominal wall using a mesh costs about 25 thousand rubles. An operation during which a laparoscopic hernia removal method is used, when small punctures are used, will cost an average of 35 thousand rubles.

But the price range can vary from 18,000 to 50,000. After all, the quality of services provided and the complexity of the operation are difficult to predict, so you can find out the exact cost only after consulting a doctor.

It is also necessary to take into account the fact that the use of anesthesia for hernia groin surgery, the price may increase slightly. And in private clinics you need to pay for hospital stay, as well as possible additional measures to eliminate complications.

It is worth noting that a separate expense item will be necessary tests and research before surgery. These may include blood and urine tests, fluorography, blood biochemistry, tests for hepatitis, HIV and syphilis. But in any case, remember that only timely contact with specialists will allow you to maintain your health and avoid big problems in the future. Be healthy!