Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia

Causes

Inguinal hernias are caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall. In some people, this weakness is congenital, which means it is present at birth. In others, it develops over time, as a result of excessive weight gain or loss physical activity that places pressure on the abdomen, pregnancy, straining during bowel movements because of constipation, straining during urination because of an enlarged prostate and intense coughing. Because the abdominal wall is weak, the hernia occurs during abdominal strain.

Symptoms

• Irritability
• Vomiting
• History of a scrotal mass that comes and goes

Signs

• Tender scrotal mass
• Abdominal distention
• Fever
• Irritability

Treatment

Inguinal hernia cannot be treated with medicines. However, pain medicine is given after hernia surgery.

Corsets are not a treatment for inguinal hernia. Corsets do not prevent trapping of a part of the intestine in the hernia and may add to scar tissue in that area.

In a child, a hernia that is incarcerated may be pushed back into the abdomen by a doctor. But, surgery is still needed because of the increased risk of incarceration and strangulation.

• The doctor cannot push the hernia back at the time of the exam, the child may be sedated and laid down with his or her head lower than the body, with an ice pack over the hernia.
• The hernia is reduced, surgery can be delayed for a short time.
• If the hernia cannot be reduced immediate surgery is necessary.