Hernia

Could this be a hernia?

Q. I have a medium size oblong swelling just below my hip bone on the right. It seems to be spreading and is very tender to touch. I have had my appendix removed. Could this be a hernia?

A. Yes it most certainly could be a hernia. Place two fingers over it while standing up and cough. If you feel a tap on your fingers you are most definitely looking at a hernia which is just a protrusion of the bowel through the muscle wall on the abdomen. No problem so long as it doesn't get hot, itchy or painful in which case you are looking at a strangulation of the bowel which can be very nasty. Get this checked out ASAP. Hernia repair is simple and with modern surgery can mean only a few days off work at the most.

Is light exercise OK with inguinal hernia

Q. I am currently waiting for an appointment to see a consultant with regard inguinal hernia, this may take some time. In the meantime is it OK for me to continue with light exercise - walking, golf? I am concerned after reading about strangulation and your remarks about 50/50 survival, I am 65.

A. Relax. We are talking about peritonitis, a complication of a strangulated hernia, not a hernia itself, giving a survival of only 50/50. Thank goodness for that as I suffer from too many birthdays myself. It is vital that you continue with your exercises as it will influence the speed of your recovery. For any surgery involving a general anaesthetic, previous good health and exercise is a big factor for fast return to normality. Even so, watch out for any heat, tenderness and colour change over the hernia as it might mean a strangulation. Do not delay - go to the A&E department.

How long will post-op discomfort last?

Q. Had my inguinal hernia operation four weeks ago -general anasthetic, overnight stay. How long will the discumfort last? I'm 54 and a fit runner weighing 11 stones.

A. The discomfort should be settling by now. If there is any
swelling or haematoma this should be checked by the surgeon. Simple paracetamol can help with residual discomfort. The muscles take up to 6 months to knit to full strength so heavy lifting should be avoided.

Baby with umbilical hernia

Q. My baby aged 3 months has a protruding belly-button. What should be done about this?

A. This is almost certainly an umbilical hernia caused because the area around the umbilical cord at birth was not quite closed.

Nearly all umbilical hernias disappear by the age of 2 years. As your baby gets stronger and the tone in the abdominal muscles improves as he grows, the small hernia (hole) will close over. It is virtually unheard of for
bowel to get stuck in an umbilical hernia. In some of the larger umbilical hernias, when they are pressed, bowel can be felt gurgling in them. This is not a problem and does not cause your baby pain.

In the very rare event of the umbilical hernia still being present at the age of 2, you should see your GP as an operation may be required.

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