The difference between indirect and direct inguinal hernias is in the anatomical location.
Indirect hernias protrude through the inguinal ring (at the end of the inguinal canal).
This article will discuss the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of indirect and direct hernias.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
They also are both resulting from organs pushing through the inguinal canal.
However, indirect and direct hernias occur in different locations.
The symptoms of indirect and direct hernias are similar.
They improve when you rest or lie down.
Indirect Inguinal Hernias
Indirect inguinal hernias are often present at birth.
This failure to fully close can result in organs in the abdomen being pushed outward.
Certain genes may increase the risk of developing inguinal hernias.
While most indirect inguinal hernias are congenital, they dont always show up in infancy or even childhood.
This might occur due to an acquired weakness of the inguinal ring.
Direct Inguinal Hernias
Direct inguinal hernias occur along the back wall of the inguinal canal.
They are the result of a weakened inguinal canal wall that happens as a person ages.
They often are brought on by straining or lifting something heavy.
Like indirect hernias, direct hernias are also more common in people with testicles.
Risk Factors
Certain people are more at risk of developing direct inguinal hernias.
Your doctor will begin by taking a medical history.
You will be asked to stand for the exam since the hernia may be more prominent when standing.
For those with testicles, your doctor will ask you to cough while they examine your scrotum.
This will allow the doctor to feel the hernia move in and out.
If your doctor needs further confirmation, they may order certain tests.
Thats why surgical repair is the only treatment for inguinal hernias.
Worldwide, more than 20 million people undergo surgery for groin hernias every year.
Of those who delay surgery, 70% will require surgery within five years.
Common surgical procedures are:
Both types of surgery are usually done under general anesthesia.
The open approach can sometimes be done under local anesthesia.
The procedure is performed by a surgeon that specializes in hernia repairs.
Hernia surgery is usually outpatient, meaning that you will be able to go home the same day.
Strangulated Hernia
Inguinal hernias are usually not a cause for alarm.
The World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) recommends immediate emergency surgical hernia repair when strangulation is suspected.
Both types of inguinal hernias are more common in people with testicles.
The chief symptom is a bulge in the groin or scrotum, and there may be associated pain.
Diagnosis is by physical examination and may be confirmed with imaging.
Then, surgery is needed to correct the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Indirect inguinal hernias in babies are congenital.
This means that during fetal development, something did not develop completely.
Inguinal hernias are quite common.
Indirect inguinal hernias are more common in babies with testicles.
Direct inguinal hernias are also more common in people with testicles.
That’s because they have a wider inguinal canal than those with ovaries.
As a result, over time, the canal is more likely to stretch out and become weak.
Inguinal hernias do not go away on their own.
Therefore, surgery is the only solution for indirect and direct inguinal hernias.
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