How Can I Get a Hernia to Go Back In?
While manual reduction (attempting to push the hernia back in) can sometimes be successful, it’s crucial to understand that it’s not always safe or possible and should only be attempted under the guidance of a medical professional. This article explores when and how a hernia can be reduced, and highlights the importance of seeking expert medical advice.
Understanding Hernias
A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue (fascia). Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), hiatal (upper stomach), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery) hernias. The contents of the hernia sac can vary, but often include sections of the intestine or abdominal fat.
When Can You Attempt to Reduce a Hernia?
Whether you can get a hernia to go back in depends largely on its type, size, and how long it has been protruding. A reducible hernia is one that can be gently pushed back into the abdominal cavity. However, this doesn’t mean you should attempt it without professional guidance. An incarcerated hernia is trapped and cannot be pushed back in; this requires immediate medical attention. A strangulated hernia, where blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off, is a surgical emergency.
The (Guarded) Process of Manual Reduction
While discouraged without medical supervision, here’s what the process of manually reducing a reducible hernia typically involves when performed by a healthcare provider:
- Relaxation: The patient needs to be as relaxed as possible. Lying down flat is usually recommended. Sometimes, pain medication or muscle relaxants may be necessary, administered by a medical professional.
- Positioning: Specific positioning may be required depending on the hernia’s location. For inguinal hernias, a slight Trendelenburg position (head slightly lower than feet) may be helpful.
- Gentle Pressure: Using gentle, steady pressure, the healthcare provider will attempt to push the hernia back into the abdominal cavity. This may involve manipulating the tissue around the hernia to create space.
- Listening and Feeling: The provider will be listening and feeling for a “pop” or “slipping” sensation as the hernia reduces.
- Post-Reduction Care: After successful reduction, the patient is typically monitored for any complications, and further evaluation (e.g., ultrasound or CT scan) may be recommended.
Important Considerations: Never attempt to force the hernia back in. If you experience pain, resistance, or any signs of a strangulated hernia (severe pain, nausea, vomiting, redness or discoloration), stop immediately and seek emergency medical care.
Why Seek Professional Help?
Attempting to reduce a hernia on your own is risky for several reasons:
- Misdiagnosis: You might misdiagnose the hernia as reducible when it is actually incarcerated or strangulated.
- Damage: Forcing an incarcerated or strangulated hernia can cause serious tissue damage, including perforation or rupture of the intestine.
- Infection: Introducing bacteria into the hernia sac can lead to a serious infection.
- Increased Risk of Recurrence: Improper reduction may not fully correct the hernia, leading to a higher risk of it protruding again.
Surgical Repair is Often Necessary
Even if you can get a hernia to go back in manually, it doesn’t solve the underlying problem. The weakness in the abdominal wall remains, and the hernia will likely reappear. Surgical repair is often the recommended long-term solution. Surgical options include:
- Open Surgery: This involves making an incision to repair the hernia. Mesh may be used to reinforce the weakened area.
- Laparoscopic Surgery: This minimally invasive technique uses small incisions and a camera to repair the hernia.
The choice between open and laparoscopic surgery depends on several factors, including the type and size of the hernia, the patient’s overall health, and the surgeon’s expertise.
Lifestyle Modifications and Prevention
While not a cure, certain lifestyle modifications can help manage hernia symptoms and potentially prevent recurrence after surgery:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity increases the risk of hernias.
- Avoid Heavy Lifting: If you must lift heavy objects, use proper lifting techniques (bend your knees, keep your back straight).
- Treat Chronic Coughing: A persistent cough can put strain on the abdominal muscles.
- Prevent Constipation: Straining during bowel movements can also contribute to hernias.
| Lifestyle Factor | Impact on Hernias | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Increases abdominal pressure and strain. | Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. |
| Heavy Lifting | Puts stress on abdominal muscles. | Use proper lifting techniques, avoid lifting excessively heavy objects. |
| Chronic Coughing | Increases abdominal pressure. | Treat underlying respiratory conditions, seek medical advice for persistent cough. |
| Constipation | Straining during bowel movements weakens muscles. | Eat a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of water, consider a stool softener if needed. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I push my hernia back in myself?
Generally, it is not recommended to push your hernia back in yourself. You should seek medical evaluation first. While some hernias are reducible, attempting to reduce it yourself could be dangerous if it is incarcerated or strangulated. A medical professional can properly assess the hernia and reduce it safely if appropriate.
What happens if I can’t push my hernia back in?
If you cannot push your hernia back in, it may be incarcerated. This means the hernia is trapped outside the abdominal cavity and requires medical attention. Go to an emergency room or urgent care center immediately.
Is it safe to ignore a hernia if it doesn’t hurt?
Even if a hernia is not painful, it is still important to have it evaluated by a doctor. A seemingly harmless hernia can gradually worsen over time and eventually lead to complications such as incarceration or strangulation.
Will a hernia go away on its own?
Hernias do not typically go away on their own. They require medical intervention, usually surgery, to repair the weakened area in the abdominal wall. While lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms, they will not eliminate the hernia.
What does an incarcerated hernia feel like?
An incarcerated hernia may feel firm, tender, and painful. You might also experience nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention. These symptoms indicate that the hernia is trapped and requires immediate medical attention.
What is a strangulated hernia?
A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency where the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off. Symptoms include severe pain, redness or discoloration of the hernia, fever, and signs of shock. Immediate surgery is required to prevent tissue death.
How is a hernia diagnosed?
A hernia is typically diagnosed during a physical exam. The doctor will palpate the area to feel for a bulge. In some cases, imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the size and location of the hernia.
What are the surgical options for hernia repair?
Surgical options for hernia repair include open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery involves making a larger incision to repair the hernia, while laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions and a camera. Both methods can use mesh to reinforce the weakened area.
Is hernia surgery always necessary?
Not all hernias require immediate surgery. Small, asymptomatic hernias may be monitored. However, surgery is generally recommended for symptomatic hernias or those at risk of incarceration or strangulation.
What is the recovery like after hernia surgery?
Recovery after hernia surgery varies depending on the type of surgery and the individual. Laparoscopic surgery generally has a shorter recovery time than open surgery. Common recovery instructions include avoiding heavy lifting, taking pain medication as prescribed, and attending follow-up appointments.
Can a hernia come back after surgery?
Yes, a hernia can recur after surgery, although it is less common with mesh repair. Factors that increase the risk of recurrence include obesity, smoking, chronic coughing, and straining during bowel movements.
Are there any non-surgical treatments for hernias?
While there are no non-surgical treatments that can cure a hernia, lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding heavy lifting, and managing chronic conditions can help manage symptoms and potentially prevent the hernia from worsening. But, to reiterate, these will not make the hernia disappear. The primary treatment is surgical repair.