The groin is an area of natural weakness of the abdominal wall. As it becomes weaker with the passage of time and effort, this protrusion of the contents of the abdomen through the abdominal wall may appear.
When it is not complicated, there may be occasional pain or a lump that disappears when stretched. The real problem is when a hernia is strangulated, i.e., the intestine is trapped in the hernia and blood does not reach it and it becomes infarcted. In this case, we are facing a real surgical emergency. To avoid these dangerous situations is why hernia surgery is indicated.
Causes of inguinal hernia
Hernias appear in this area of weakness. The causes are multiple, genetic, acquired, high stress, congenital because it is the path of descent of the testicle in its embryonic migration from the abdomen to the scrotum. Among many other causes.
Treatment of inguinal hernia
Surgical operation is the only effective treatment. There are different techniques, but nowadays, in our environment, the most accepted is the use of meshes (prosthesis) that will give the tissue the consistency that it does not have by itself. The use of meshes has reduced the recurrence of hernias.
In terms of techniques, it can be performed both with conventional open surgery and by laparoscopy. Laparoscopy has demonstrated its superiority over the conventional open technique in cases of bilateral inguinal hernia (in both groins), hernias already operated (recurrent) and in patients with high physical activity (athletes).
The new Progrip mesh is a mesh that does not need stitches to be fixed because it is attached to the fabric with the same technology as Velcro. It has hooks that adhere to the tissue. By not having to puncture the tissue to attach the prosthesis, we reduce the possibility of bleeding, of injuring large vessels and of trapping a nerve with a suture that would cause great pain during the postoperative period.
Inguinal hernia surgery postoperative period
In healthy patients without pathology can be discharged 12-24 hours after surgery. Although, as in all surgery, postoperative control is required for follow-up to ensure that there is no recurrence. After one month, if everything is correct, the patient can be definitively discharged.