Ultrasonography of Inguinal Hernia
腹股溝小腸氣超聲波
腹股溝小腸氣超聲波是一項非侵入性的檢查。醫生會利用超聲波影像檢查及診斷小腸氣，協助醫生制定治療方案。
$ 1,320
About Hernia 認識小腸氣
1.1 About hernia
Hernia refers to the condition where organs in the body move from their normal position to an abnormal one. Our abdominal region is surrounded by multiple layers of muscles, forming the abdominal wall. The muscles serve to prevent organs within the abdominal cavity (such as the small intestine, omentum, transverse colon, etc.) from protruding outward under pressure (e.g., coughing, straining). When certain areas of the abdominal wall are weakened or have defects, either congenitally or acquired, there is a chance for organs within the abdominal cavity to slide outwards during exertion, resulting in a hernia.
The most common type of hernia is inguinal hernia. Inguinal hernia occurs when the small intestine or other abdominal organs, such as the omentum, descend through the inguinal canal into the scrotum, causing swelling, discomfort, and even pain.
Hernia can be further classified based on different locations in the body. Some common types of intestinal hernias include:
- Inguinal hernia
- Femoral hernia
- Umbilical hernia / Paraumbilical hernia
- Incisional hernia
- Hiatal hernia
- Epigastric hernia
- Spigelian hernia
- Obturator hernia
Similarly, hernias can occur not only within the abdominal cavity but also in other spaces of the body, such as the thoracic cavity or cranial cavity.
1.2 Cause of inguinal hernia
The causes of hernia, can be divided into two main categories: congenital factors and acquired
Congenital Factors
Congenital hernia occurs due to inherent defects in the structure of our abdominal wall, making the small intestine or other abdominal organs more prone to protruding through the abdominal wall. This type of hernia is often present at birth in most cases. When a baby cries, the small intestine can pass through the defect in the abdominal wall, leading to swelling. The most common types of congenital hernias are umbilical hernia and inguinal hernia.
Acquired Factors
Acquired hernia occurs due to factors such as muscle loss associated with aging or weakening of the abdominal wall muscles due to prolonged pressure. When actions such as coughing or constipation increase the pressure inside the abdominal cavity, the abdominal organs can protrude through the weakened area, resulting in a hernia.
1.3 Symptoms of hernia
The main symptom of hernia is the sudden appearance of swelling in the abdomen. The swelling is usually more noticeable when walking or coughing and tends to disappear when lying down. The swelling may cause discomfort, which can increase during physical activity.
If the hernia remains swollen continuously, it may indicate that the tissues within the hernia are trapped and unable to return to the abdominal cavity, leading to a condition called incarcerated hernia. If this condition persists, it can impede blood circulation, cause intestinal necrosis, and even pose a life-threatening risk. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
