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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffYou can't prevent the congenital defect that may lead to an inguinal hernia, but the following steps can help reduce strain on your abdominal muscles and tissues:
- Maintain a healthy weight. If you think you may be overweight, talk to your doctor about the best exercise and diet plan for you.
- Emphasize high-fiber foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains are good for your overall health. They're also packed with fiber that can help prevent constipation and straining.
- Lift heavy objects carefully or avoid heavy lifting altogether. If you have to lift something heavy, always bend from your knees, not from your waist.
- Stop smoking. In addition to increasing your risk of serious diseases such as cancer, emphysema and heart disease, smoking often causes a chronic cough that can lead to or aggravate an inguinal hernia.
- Don't rely on a truss, a supportive garment designed to keep hernias in place. Contrary to what you may have heard, wearing a truss isn't the best long-term solution for an inguinal hernia. A truss won't protect against complications or correct the underlying problem, although your doctor may recommend wearing one for a short time before surgery.
References
- Inguinal hernia. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/inguinalhernia. Accessed Sept. 30, 2010.
- Patient information for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair from SAGES. Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. http://www.sages.org/sagespublication.php?doc=PI06. Accessed Sept. 30, 2010.
- Dedemadi G, et al. Laparoscopic versus open mesh repair for recurrent inguinal hernia: A meta-analysis of outcomes. The American Journal of Surgery. 2010;200:291.
- Ramsook C, et al. Overview of inguinal hernia in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 30, 2010.
- Ramsook C, et al. Overview of treatment for inguinal and femoral hernias. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 30, 2010.
- Ramsook C, et al. Classification and diagnosis of inguinal and femoral hernias. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 30, 2010.
- Goroll AH, et al. Approach to the patient with an external hernia. In: Goroll AH, et al. Primary Care Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:496.
- Matthews RD, et al. Inguinal hernia in the 21st century: An evidence-based review. Current Problems in Surgery. 2008;45:261.
- Jenkins JT, et al. Inguinal hernias. British Medical Journal. 2008;336:269.
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