Is Your Groin Pain Due to Hernia or Inflammation? the Symptoms

Pain and swelling in the right upper groin (or right lower abdomen) could be indicative of either a hernia or inflammation?

Hello Doctor, I am currently a senior in college.
During my senior year of high school, I underwent the "Zeng's Hernia Repair Technique" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0Btb4E5qhI) at Taichung Boai Surgical Hospital, which utilizes autologous tissue for repair.
The procedure was performed in two stages: one for the left-sided hernia and varicocele, and another for the right-sided hernia.
Today is the third day post-surgery, and I have been feeling a sense of bloating in my right lower groin area throughout the day.
Coughing while standing does increase my discomfort, but I still feel uneasy even when lying down.
There is no visible bulging, and I initially suspected it might be a hernia.
However, the hospital where I had the surgery indicated that the recurrence rate for this technique is 0.2%, suggesting that the likelihood of a hernia recurrence is low.
Therefore, I am questioning whether there might be inflammation of other urogenital organs.
Is it possible to diagnose this through ultrasound, CT scan, X-ray, or MRI? Additionally, I had an MRI yesterday due to a ligament injury in my finger.
During the scan, my hand was positioned parallel to the groin area, and I felt a bloating sensation in the left groin, which was uncomfortable but not painful.
Could this be related to the previous varicocele ligation and hernia surgery?

Chen Tongxue, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/19

Dr. Du Mingyi reply Urology

The feeling of bloating and pain is a normal response after surgery.
If you have any concerns, you can consult the surgeon who performed your procedure.

Reply Date: 2018/09/19

More Info

Groin pain can be a complex issue, especially for someone with a history of hernia surgery and other related conditions. Given your background and the symptoms you are experiencing, it's important to consider several potential causes and diagnostic approaches.

Possible Causes of Groin Pain
1. Hernia Recurrence: Although the recurrence rate for the surgical method you underwent is low (0.2%), it is not impossible. Symptoms such as a feeling of pressure or discomfort in the groin, especially when coughing or straining, can indicate a recurrence of the hernia.
2. Inguinal Canal Issues: The inguinal canal is a passage in the lower anterior abdominal wall. If there is any residual weakness or scarring from your previous surgeries, it could lead to discomfort or pain.

3. Muscle Strain: Overuse or strain of the muscles in the groin area can lead to pain. This is particularly relevant if you have engaged in physical activities that put stress on these muscles.

4. Nerve Entrapment or Injury: Nerves in the groin area can become compressed or irritated, leading to pain. This can occur due to inflammation or scarring from previous surgeries.

5. Inflammation of Surrounding Structures: Conditions such as lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes) or infections in the urogenital area can also cause discomfort in the groin.

6. Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain in the groin can be referred from other areas, such as the lower back or pelvis.

Diagnostic Approaches
To accurately diagnose the cause of your groin pain, several imaging techniques can be employed:
1. Ultrasound: This is often the first-line imaging modality for groin pain. It can help visualize soft tissue structures, assess for hernias, and evaluate for any fluid collections or lymphadenopathy.

2. CT Scan: A CT scan can provide a more detailed view of the abdominal and pelvic structures, helping to identify any abnormalities related to the hernia, lymph nodes, or other organs.

3. MRI: While MRI is less commonly used for groin pain, it can be useful in assessing soft tissue structures, including muscles, tendons, and nerves, particularly if there is suspicion of a nerve entrapment or muscle injury.

4. X-ray: This is typically not useful for soft tissue evaluation but can help rule out bony abnormalities if there is a concern for fractures or other skeletal issues.

Follow-Up and Management
Given your symptoms and the recent MRI for your finger injury, it is unlikely that the positioning during that scan would directly affect your groin pain. However, if you are experiencing discomfort in the left inguinal area, it may be worth discussing with your physician to ensure that there are no underlying issues related to your previous surgeries.

Recommendations
1. Consult a Specialist: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it may be beneficial to consult a specialist in either general surgery or a pain management clinic. They can provide a thorough evaluation and determine if further imaging is necessary.

2. Physical Therapy: If muscle strain or weakness is suspected, a physical therapist can help develop a rehabilitation program to strengthen the area and alleviate pain.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, noting any changes in intensity or nature. This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider.

4. Avoid Strain: Until you have a clearer understanding of the cause of your pain, it may be wise to avoid activities that exacerbate your symptoms.

In conclusion, while your history of hernia surgery is significant, the symptoms you are experiencing could arise from various causes. A thorough evaluation using appropriate imaging and consultation with specialists will be key to determining the underlying issue and guiding effective treatment.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Groin Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Recovery Tips

Doctor, I completed a fitness assessment last week (which included a 1600-meter run, sit-ups, seated forward bends, and standing long jumps), and since then, I've been experiencing pain in my groin and inguinal area. Could this be a strain? How can I alleviate the pain? Addi...

Dr. Li Yanheng reply Rehabilitation
If you are concerned about other conditions, such as a hernia, you can visit a urologist for an examination.

Understanding Groin Pain: Could It Be Related to Testicular Issues?

Last week, after playing basketball, I felt soreness in my groin. I went to a family medicine clinic, and it was determined that I did not have a hernia. I was prescribed anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication, and later I visited an orthopedic clinic. They prescribed the s...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Please take care to rest, avoid sitting for long periods without getting up to move around, or standing for too long without sitting down. Refrain from exerting yourself in the abdominal area for now. Take care, and wishing you good health.

Understanding Groin Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help

This morning, I felt swelling pain in my right groin area (in the upper right position of the pubic triangle) when I exerted myself. It felt similar to gas pain, but when I palpated the area, I couldn't feel any hard lumps. The location is also different from an inguinal her...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
POPO: Hello, it is difficult to determine, but it could be a hernia, such as an inguinal hernia or a femoral hernia. Note: Different types of hernias occur in different locations. You can try local heat application to see if it helps. If there are any unclear points, feel free to...

Is It a Hernia or Muscle Strain? Understanding Your Symptoms

Hello Doctor: I am currently in the United States, and medical care is not very convenient. I would like to request your assistance. For the past two to three days, I have been experiencing some tightness in my right groin area. It feels swollen and hard when pressed, but there i...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
If it is a hernia, there should be a bulging mass that becomes more prominent when coughing or straining, and it can be pushed back in with your hand. If these symptoms are not present, it is more likely to be a muscle strain. I would like to reiterate that online consultations c...