inguinal hernia repair again

[KMLF]

My husband is 33 and is a flooring contractor often doing heavy lifting.  He had an inguinal hernia repair done when he was 18 and he is having problems in that area again. He says it feels like his intestines are squeezing out of his groin area. He also has a VERY high tolerance for pain and often refuses to acknowledge it.  Our doctor says its very common to have this re-occur later in life.  Is this true?  If he puts it off, could it become dangerous?

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello.

Yes, inguinal hernias can recur.

In additional to causing symptoms of moderate to severe pain, hernias can be dangerous for the following reason: the small intestines can herniate (or extend out) out of the defect in the abdominal wall and in addition to causing pain, if the intestines do not reduce (go back in), the blood supply can be compromised and this can cause a person to be very, very sick.

Usually, if hernias are causing lots of pain and affection quality of life and ability to safely perform work, surgery is a good option. This is especially true if the hernia is large enough to where the intestines can herniate out.

Please respond with additional questions.

~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

[KMLF]

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question.