Hernias are common, especially in men. About 75% of hernias repaired in the U.S. are inguinal (or groin) hernias in men. Most men get a hernia on one side of the groin, but sometimes, you can feel the pain on both sides. Such an occurrence makes you question, “Can you have 2 hernias at once?” Yes, and it is called a bilateral inguinal hernia.
How Many Hernias Can You Have at Once?
A person can have multiple hernias at the same time, and they can appear in different forms. Hernias happen when tissues or organs push through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Common types include inguinal, umbilical, and incisional hernias.
Someone might have multiple hernias in the same area, like bilateral inguinal hernias, or in different places, such as an inguinal hernia along with an umbilical hernia. Treating multiple hernias usually involves surgery, and a specialized doctor can perform it to avoid complications.
What Causes a Double Hernia?
Two hernias at once happen when weak areas or tears form in the abdominal muscles. This occurrence allows the contents of the abdomen to push through, causing a bulge.
Double hernias can result from intestinal issues like constipation, which puts pressure on the stomach muscles, or physical activities. These include lifting heavy objects, bending, or sudden movements like coughing.
They are more common in men than in women and are linked to factors such as:
- Family history of hernias
- Being overweight
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Frequent coughing
- Constipation
- Heavy lifting or strenuous activity
Sudden movements during sports
Is a Double Hernia Dangerous?
A double hernia triggers serious health problems if not treated. While some people may feel only mild discomfort at first, the condition can get worse over time, causing issues like incarceration or strangulation.
Incarceration happens when the hernia gets stuck, possibly blocking the bowel and causing severe pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Strangulation is more dangerous, as it cuts off blood flow to the trapped tissue, which can lead to tissue death and require emergency surgery. 2 hernias at once may not be immediately life-threatening.
However, it has the potential to cause serious complications, making timely medical care important.
Surgery for 2 Hernias at Once
The best option for hernia repair is keyhole surgery. The surgeon can use the same small incisions for both sides, leading to quicker recovery compared to open surgery.
However, certain factors like multiple past surgeries, obesity, or large hernias may make keyhole surgery less suitable. Your surgeon can discuss this with you during the consultation.
After surgery, it’s recommended to rest for a few days, but gentle movement like walking can help. Most patients can go home the same day or the day after surgery, and they will receive post-surgery care advice.
A high-fiber diet and plenty of water are recommended to prevent straining. Your doctor can also provide painkillers to manage discomfort.
About a week or two after keyhole surgery, you can resume normal activities like driving and light exercise. However, heavy lifting and strenuous activities may take longer. Recovery after open surgery takes longer, usually by an extra week or two, but most patients fully recover within six weeks.
Wrapping Up
When repairing a hernia on one side, many surgeons check the other for a hernia defect. Therefore, “Can you have 2 hernias at once?” is affirmative.
Visit Dr. Rick Q. NGO at Texas Hernia & Surgical Specialists. Our doctor has unmatched expertise in repairing all kinds of hernias. Dial (888) 365-1544 for an appointment.