A hernia isn’t a single type of medical problem. It describes any condition where an organ or other body part passes through tissue that usually contains it, like a muscle wall. These are most often noticeable when they occur on the abdomen or groin, such as an inguinal hernia, often accompanied by a visible lump or bulge.
While it’s possible to live normally with a hernia, there’s always a need to be aware of a complication called strangulation. This occurs when the tissue that penetrates a muscular wall is twisted, and its blood supply is cut off.
Choosing a surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive hernia repair techniques means that you won’t need to worry about strangulation. In Fort Worth, your expert is Balaguru Sambandam, MD, FACS at North Tarrant Health Providers. Until your condition is surgically repaired, it’s important to know the signs of a strangulated hernia emergency.
Though hernia describes any abnormal movement through a body barrier, as many as 80% of them are inguinal or femoral, involving the intestines or fat tissue pushing through a muscle wall around the groin or inner thigh. Inguinal hernias account for most cases, affecting men more than women, while the less common femoral hernia usually favors older women.
Not all hernias carry symptoms or cause serious issues. When they do, there’s often a lump or bulge. It may be more obvious when you’re standing, and it disappears when you lie down. You may be able to push the protrusion back through the opening in the muscle wall, but the bulge may reemerge with physical exertion or when you cough or laugh.
Minor symptoms include a dull, aching feeling in the area, which could turn to pain as the hernia progresses. You may feel pain with movement or activity that causes the bulge to reappear. The size of the hernia could increase over time, too, since hernias usually don’t heal without medical intervention. Sometimes, a hernia may not require medical attention, and you’ll be advised to monitor your condition.
When a section of intestine is strangulated at the site of a hernia, it typically becomes an urgent event quickly. As its blood supply is cut off, symptoms emerge in rapid succession, and tissue can begin to die. Infection can set in, requiring removal of any intestine affected by the event.
Symptoms of a hernia emergency include:
You may have some or all of these symptoms, in any combination. Even if the sensations are bearable, seek medical attention if they’re a change from your normal hernia symptoms.
You can take proactive action with your hernia condition by scheduling a consultation with North Tarrant Health Providers. Dr. Sambandam can review your history and recommend the best course of action. Call the office at 817-904-4165, or use the appointment request link on this page to book your visit now.
