Concerns Following Inguinal Hernia Surgery
As a 22-year-old male, I underwent a bilateral laparoscopic inguinal hernia operation in October, and ever since, I’ve been encountering various alarming symptoms. I would greatly value any guidance on whether what I’m experiencing is typical or indicative of a potential complication. **Post-Operative Symptoms:** • In the first 24 to 48 hours after the surgery, I noticed significant swelling in my scrotum, with my testicles swelling to nearly twice their usual size, accompanied by a dark red or purplish discoloration of the skin. • I experienced a fever for two consecutive nights, peaking at around 103°F. When I contacted the hospital, they advised me to monitor the fever and to take ibuprofen or Tylenol as needed. • Fortunately, the swelling and color changes gradually subsided over about a month. **Current Symptoms (5 Months After Surgery):** • Recently, I’ve begun to feel a persistent, mild pain on the right side near the spermatic cord or a blood vessel in the scrotum. Although it’s not severe, it’s present enough to be bothersome. • Additionally, I’ve noticed a drop in libido and weaker erections compared to my condition before the surgery, which raises my concerns about possible reduced testosterone production. While my surgeon didn’t seem overly worried about the swelling at the time of the evaluation, he did refer me to a urologist, and I’m scheduled to see him on the 11th. In my exploration of symptoms, I have encountered the term "ischemic orchitis" and began to wonder if this might be relevant, especially considering my fever and discoloration shortly after the procedure. I understand that it’s quite uncommon, but I wanted to pose a few questions: **Questions for Consideration:** 1. Is it common to experience such significant testicular swelling and discoloration after a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair? 2. Could the onset of fever and changes in my scrotum serve as indicators of ischemic orchitis or another possible complication? 3. Might the changes in my libido and erectile function be linked to the surgery, perhaps due to injury to spermatic structures or alterations in hormone levels? 4. Is it considered normal to have mild, localized scrotal pain months after surgery, or could this suggest issues like nerve entrapment, inflammation, or vascular concerns? I would be grateful for any medical insights you could share. I recognize that a personal examination is the best approach, and I look forward to my consultation with the urologist for more clarity. However, I want to be well-informed before that appointment. Lastly, I’ve also noted that my hair seems to be growing back more slowly, appears thinner, and I’ve been losing multiple strands after I shower, which never occurred prior to the surgery. I’m unsure if these factors are interconnected but would appreciate any thoughts you might have. Thank you in advance for your assistance!
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 7:50:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns after your inguinal hernia surgery. It’s understandable to be worried about unusual symptoms following such a procedure. Let’s address your questions and symptoms step by step.
Summary of Key Points:
- Post-surgery swelling and discoloration can occur but should be monitored.
- Your fever and symptoms raise some concerns but can also be part of the healing process.
- Changes in libido and erectile function after surgery can have multiple causes, including possible hormonal changes.
- Mild scrotal pain months after surgery warrants evaluation and follow-up.
Detailed Explanation:
1. Swelling and Discoloration: It is not uncommon to experience some swelling and discoloration after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs, especially in the first few days. However, significant swelling, particularly if accompanied by discoloration and fever, should be taken seriously. These symptoms can indicate inflammation or complications, but your symptoms subsided over time, which is generally a positive sign.
2. Fever and Swelling Considerations: The fever and discoloration you experienced shortly after surgery could relate to inflammation or a reaction to the surgery itself. Ischemic orchitis is rare but could be a concern if blood vessels are compromised. Monitoring ongoing symptoms, especially after your referral to the urologist, is wise.
3. Libido and Erectile Function: Your experience with decreased libido and erectile function may stem from several factors:
- Physical recovery from surgery could temporarily affect nerve function.
- Hormonal changes might occur if blood supply or testosterone levels were impacted. These feelings can be concerning and warrant discussion with your urologist.
4. Scrotal Pain: Mild scrotal pain months after surgery is not typical, but it's important to understand the context, such as nerve entrapment or inflammation. Your upcoming urologist appointment is crucial as they can conduct a physical exam and possibly run tests to address this.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Prioritize Your Urologist Appointment: Bring a detailed list of your symptoms, including the timeline of events, to make the most of your appointment.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of any changes in pain, libido, or other symptoms leading up to your visit. Note anything that makes symptoms better or worse.
- Consider Lifestyle Factors: Reflect on any changes in physical activity, stress, or psychological factors that could contribute to libido and mood changes.
- Hair Changes: While it’s difficult to determine whether hair loss is connected to your surgery, stress and hormonal changes can play a role. Mention this concern to your doctor for a comprehensive view of your health.
Conclusion:
It’s understandable to feel concerned about your ongoing symptoms, and it’s good that you have a urologist appointment lined up. Focus on clearly communicating your concerns during that visit for the best assessment. Should symptoms worsen in the meantime, such as increased pain, fever returning, or other significant changes, consider seeking earlier medical attention.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need support. Your health and peace of mind are important.
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