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Possible Hernia Surgery or Not
Hello,
The late 90s i had my appendix removed. At that time they said I also had a hernia on the left side and to come and get it fixed a few weeks later which I did. It was an open surgery and is about all I know or recall.
10 years ago I had testicular cancer on the left side where the testicle removed using the same incision as the 90's Hernia. I did CT's up until 2022 it sounds to make sure things didn't progress. I did not have to do chemo or radiation.
Fast forward to about a week ago I was not feeling well and had abdominal pains to then notice there was a small (based on pics I have seen online and compare to that) bulge on the left side. I could feel it when I sat down as well. Could it have formed without me noticing some time back, perhaps but I feel I would have noticed.
I went to see a walk in Dr where they did an ultrasound at one provider. The results were as follows from the Ultrasound:
Findings concerning for recurrent hernia with fascial defect measuring about 8 mm with herniation of adipose. No definite bowel within. This appears more pronounced with standing. Right-sided was imaged for comparison.
I went to 2 general surgeons to get opinions. One says he would do open surgery using the same incision and repair it. He said these things can sneak up on you and do not repair on there own so will likely have to be done at some point. The other is not convinced there is a hernia and being so small wouldn't do anything unless it gives me issues. Today I feel ok. He also said there is risk using the same incision point for doing the surgery. I am hoping someone can clarify this point for me.
From time to time it feels like I have been kicked in the groin but certainly manageable. So what the heck do I do here? I am confused.
Hoping some might be able to shed some opinions that I can make a decision.
Thanks for the help
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Hello, @bline22, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm glad to hear the testicular cancer in your background sounds like it was contained and removed.
I'm wondering if you can speak more to the type of hernia that was found in the late 90s when you had your appendix removed?
@lisalucier Thanks for the reply and agreed.
Sadly I cannot as I was young and it doesn't seem like records were kept very well so I don't know what it was.
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1 ReactionWhy can’t they operate using laparoscopic or robotic surgery? I had a right side inguinal hernia repaired via robotic surgery. 4 small incisions and a fast recovery. Ask about it.
Robotic surgery for woman with umbilical hernia (and small hiatal hernia) — CT Scan showed a moderate size umbilical hernia. I was nauseated to go to the ER. Go home and poke it but watch for issues. Yes, heartburn and gastric distress after eating. So now at 84 also waiting and watching …anyone?
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1 Reaction@riflemanz64 Good question and I don't know. Can I ask where you had yours done? I will ask if locally they can do any of this. We are in a smaller community but actually travel to Rochester Mayo for my wife and will be there in fact in about 10 days. I am sure I would need a referral for another opinion which I would feel strange about asking here. Wish I could just see a general Dr while there
My hernia is likely Inguinal would be my guess as the description I have read matches a bit with what I am seeing vs the others. Nobody has mentioned that however. I did hear mention that they believe it not to be incarcerated. I am still struggling if really a hernia and I wait.
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1 ReactionI didn’t even know I had a hernia until I was in the shower and noticed a bulge in my groin which didn’t look right. I had robotic surgery here in West Allis Wisconsin.
Surgery was only 30 minutes. Went home that afternoon and only née Tylenol for pain.
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2 ReactionsAn open surgery will be more painful and a longer recovery. I’d keep looking for a general surgeon who does minimally invasive surgery.
@riflemanz64 Can I ask how big yours was? If you didn't know you had it it must not have been painful or incarcerated? I would say mine might be similar. I don't know if the weekend where I noticed it I was just ill and coincidentally also noticed the bulge. My family has been fighting some bug and I have been able to avoid most of it so maybe it was my brief turn I am not sure. I know the local place has been advertising robotic surgeries but I think only for some specific procedures. Do you all know if I want to get an opinion at another facility like Mayo lets say (since I will be there anyway) can I get a family Dr there vs going through the whole referral process? This process if successful where we live, can take 6 months as was the experience with my wifes illness.
The surgeon said my hernia was an indirect large inguinal hernia which required a large size mesh to repair it. I had no pain from it or other problems. I got it repaired as soon as possible to avoid complications. I would call mayo and see if they can accommodate you.
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4 Reactions@riflemanz64 glad you got yours repaired. I am guessing yours is much larger than mine. Do you think it is worth trying to call Mayo again? I called General Surgery yesterday where they said I need the referral. I have been myself to mayo a number of times so am a patient there. That is where I am not sure how to navigate this.