Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal Hernia

If you're a resident of Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or the surrounding Treasure Valley and experiencing discomfort or swelling in your groin area, relief is within reach with the help of Dr. Gay. As an experienced doctor and surgeon who specializes in treating inguinal hernias, Dr. Gay leads our team of medical professionals in providing personalized treatment plans and expert care to find the best solution for your specific needs.

What is an Inguinal Hernia?

An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles, causing a bulge or swelling in the groin area.

What are the signs of an Inguinal hernia?

The most common sign of an inguinal hernia is a bulge or swelling in the groin area that may or may not be accompanied by pain or discomfort. The lump may become more noticeable when coughing or straining.

Does an Inguinal hernia require immediate medical attention?

While an inguinal hernia may not be an emergency, seeking medical attention is important. This is to prevent complications such as incarceration, where the tissue becomes trapped and unable to return to the abdominal cavity, or strangulation, where the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off.

What activities frequently cause an Inguinal hernia?

Activities that involve straining, such as heavy lifting or chronic constipation, can increase the risk of developing an inguinal hernia. Men are more likely than women to develop an inguinal hernia, and it's more common in older adults.

What Treatment is Recommended to Repair an Inguinal Hernia?

Are there any non-surgical treatments that can fix an Inguinal hernia?

There are no non-surgical treatments that can fix an inguinal hernia. While a truss or support garment may temporarily relieve discomfort, it will not address the underlying issue and may make the hernia worse over time.

What are the risks of leaving an Inguinal hernia untreated?

Leaving an inguinal hernia untreated can lead to complications such as incarceration or strangulation, which can cause tissue damage, infection, and even death in rare cases.

How is Surgery Performed for Inguinal Hernia Repair?

During an inguinal hernia repair surgery, the weakened abdominal wall is reinforced with a mesh or sutures to prevent the tissue from protruding through the opening. The surgery may be performed under local or general anesthesia and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the approach used.

What are recovery tips that Dr. Gay will give his patients after hernia surgery?

After surgery, it's important to follow Dr. Gays' instructions for postoperative care, including avoiding heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and smoking and taking any prescribed pain medications or antibiotics as directed. You may also be advised to gradually increase your physical activity over time to prevent complications and promote healing.