Scrotal hernia

• Scrotal hernia - the protrusion of abdominal cavity contents into the scrotal sac or scrotum.

• It is a type of inguinal hernia.

What are the symptoms of scrotal hernia?

Symptoms of an inguinal hernia may include

• a bulge in the groin—the area between the lower abdomen and thighs
• a bulge in the scrotum in a male
• feelings of discomfort, pain, heaviness, or burning in the groin

What makes scrotal hernia symptoms worse?

Scrotal hernia symptoms may get worse when you strain, lift, cough, or stand for a long time and may get better when you rest or lie down.

What causes scrotal hernia?

A weak area in the muscles and connective tissue of the lower abdominal wall at the inguinal canal allows an inguinal hernia to develop. A hernia can form in different ways, causing two types of hernias.

What are different types of scrotal hernias?

1. Indirect inguinal hernias are related to a defect in the lower abdominal wall that is present at birth.
2. Direct inguinal hernias are related to a weak area in the inguinal canal wall that develops later in life.

How are scrotal hernias diagnosed?

• To diagnose an inguinal hernia, you healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical exam.
• In some cases, doctors also order imaging tests.
• During a physical exam, the healthcare provider will examine your scrotum, inguinal area, and the abdomen.

What tests are done for scrotal hernias?

Imaging tests may include:

• Ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create an image of your organs
• Computed tomography (CT) NIH external link, which uses a combination of x-rays
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which takes pictures of your body’s internal organs and soft tissues without using x-rays

How are scrotal hernias treated?

Open hernia surgery

• In open hernia surgery, a surgeon makes a cut in your groin to view and repair the hernia.
• After repairing the hernia, surgeons typically use stitches and a piece of mesh to close the abdominal wall.
• The mesh strengthens the weak area where the hernia occurred.
• In some cases, surgeons may use stitches alone to close and strengthen the weak area in the abdominal wall.
• Patients most often receive local anesthesia

Laparoscopic hernia surgery In laparoscopic hernia surgery, a surgeon makes several small cuts in your lower abdomen and inserts special tools to view and repair the hernia.

• The surgeon uses a piece of mesh to close and strengthen the abdominal wall.
• Patients most often receive general anesthesia for laparoscopic hernia surgery.
• Recovery time after laparoscopic surgery may be shorter than after open hernia surgery.
• During hernia surgery, surgeons may use a piece of mesh to close and strengthen the abdominal wall.

Watchful waiting Research suggests that men with inguinal hernias that cause few or no symptoms may be able to safely delay surgery, an approach called watchful waiting

What are some complications from scrotal hernia?

If an inguinal hernia causes complications, such as becoming stuck or strangulated, you will need emergency surgery to repair the hernia and treat the complications.

What are some complications of hernia surgery?

Common complications urinary retention infection swelling in the area return of the hernia, which may require another surgery Serious complications, such as damage to blood vessels or organs, are rare.

Rare complications

• bleeding, drainage, or redness in the area where you had surgery
• fever or chills
• nausea or vomiting
• pain or swelling in your abdomen
• pain or swelling in your groin that gets worse
• pain that is severe or doesn’t get better when you take pain medicines
• problems breathing
• problems urinating

External links

• Inguinal hernia

Resources

Latest articles - Scrotal hernia

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Scrotal hernia for any updates.

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