Scrotal hernia, also known as inguino-scrotal hernia, is a consequence of the development of inguinal hernia, which is a bulge that appears in the groin resulting from a failure to close the inguinal canal. In the case of scrotal hernia, this protrusion in the groin increases and moves to the scrotum, which is the pouch that surrounds and protects the testicles, causing swelling and pain in the area. Understand better how inguinal hernia happens.
This type of hernia can appear in babies because of genetic factors or it can appear in adults usually due to efforts, such as when there is an enlarged prostate requiring urination, obesity or excessive activities that involve carrying a lot of weight.
The diagnosis can be made by the surgeon and / or urologist through specific physical examination and ultrasound or computed tomography. Treatment usually consists of performing surgery and using medications to relieve pain and discomfort such as analgesics and anti-inflammatories.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of scrotal hernia are similar to those of inguinal hernia and can be:
- Lump in the groin and scrotum; Pain or discomfort in the scrotum or groin when standing up, carrying weight or bending over; Feeling of heaviness or pressure in the scrotum when walking.
In babies, it is not always easy to observe the presence of scrotal hernia, which can be noticed when changing the diaper, where swelling in the scrotum can be seen, especially when the baby cries, due to the effort he makes.
If scrotal hernia is not treated, it can lead to intestinal strangulation, in which there is no blood flow to the intestine, causing tissue death and symptoms such as vomiting, cramps, bloating and absence of stool. In addition, scrotal hernia can lead to infertility, as sperm storage can be compromised. Know other causes of infertility.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis is made by a clinical doctor, general surgeon or urologist based on the evaluation of the symptoms reported by the man and physical examination of the scrotum and groin area, in which the doctor also evaluates the size of the hernia, for example.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may request the performance of imaging tests, such as ultrasound or computed tomography. These tests are also important to differentiate scrotal hernia from hydrocele, which is a condition in which fluid builds up in the testicles. Understand what a hydrocele is and how to treat it.
Treatment of scrotal hernia
The treatment of scrotal hernia is indicated by the general surgeon and / or urologist and, in most cases, consists of performing surgery, which should be done as soon as possible, as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed, to avoid complications such as infertility or strangulation. intestinal.
Surgery to correct scrotal hernia, also called herniorrhaphy, lasts about 1 hour and is performed under general or spinal anesthesia, however, depending on the size of the hernia, only local anesthesia can be performed. In some cases, the doctor may even place a kind of mesh / mesh to prevent the hernia from recurring.
In addition, the use of anti-inflammatory or analgesic medications, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, may be recommended by the doctor before and after surgery for pain relief, in addition to antibiotics after the surgical procedure to prevent the occurrence of infections. After surgery, it is important that the man avoid taking too much weight, sleep on his back, increase fiber consumption, do not drive and do not sit for a long time.
Possible causes
Scrotal hernia happens because of the weakening of the muscles of the inguinal canal causing parts of the intestine or other contents of the abdomen to move through this channel to the scrotum.
In addition, scrotal hernia can arise due to genetic and congenital problems, that is, man can be born with scrotal hernia or this type of hernia can be caused by smoking, obesity and excessive activities that require carrying a lot of weight, in addition to may also be related to prostate problems.
