-
Female Occult Inguinal Hernia – Toronto
I am wondering if anyone knows of a good general surgeon in the Toronto area that repairs inguinal hernias in women (hidden/occult). I have had pelvic pain for 2years now. Started my path with first having Gasto tests (endoscopy/colonoscopy – nothing was found). From there, the GI specialist suspected Endometriosis, so I saw a Gyno. We did an Ultrasound and found nothing, but to help my pain, he had me try a hormone drug for 4 months – to no avail. I started noticing my pain was very much related to: bending over, sitting, lifting, excercise – things which I dont think are necessarily symptoms of Endo. Recently, I was fortunate to find an online Pelvic Health expert who listened to my story and suggested I get an MRI and have someone look at whether there are inguinal hernias. I had no idea what they were- but I started actively looking! I learned a tremendous amount from some of the info which Dr. Towfigh published for lay-people like me. I was fortunate enough to have someone outside of my province look at my MRI. Turns out that, though very uncommon, a specialist indeed found 2 bilateral inguinal hernias. I’m happy to have a diagnosis after all this time! However, I can’t afford to go to the US at this time for treatment. My next challenge is to find a surgeon in Toronto who not only has heard of the condition, but can treat it as well. Wondering if anyone who reads this post may have any ideas of where I can do in Toronto? My primary care physician doesn’t know of anyone.
Many thanks in advance and I’m happy to answer any questions if this story resonates with anyone RE: their pelvic pain journey.
-
5 Replies
-
Thank you. Best of luck
-
@drtowfigh – thanks. I actually figured out finances and am going to NYC (to an expert). Separately, I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart – by making your thoughts/experiences in these occult hernias ‘public’, it has been a game-changer for me. I would never have known about these types of hernias without the info you provide via articles, videos, this site, etc. I will update this thread after my surgery, in case you (and others) would like to hear. Thank you, again.
-
Unfortunately the Shouldice Clinic will not treat patients with occult inguinal hernias.
Some colleagues of mine In Canada May help. You may have to travel a bit. Go to the America’s Hernia Society webpage Find a surgeon tab and search for them.
-
Dr. Brown -thank you so much for the response! Just 2 questions:
1. In your estimation, is my situation complicated because its uncommon (2 hernias in the inguinal region)? Asking so I have some background on how local surgeons may view this case, as I have nothing to compare it to.
2. Is non-mesh something you recommend in general? Or does something about this warrant a stronger case for non-mesh?
Thanks again.
-
Dear Angela.
Your situation is more complicated than usual. I would advise you to go to the University of Toronto and see a surgeon in the department surgery. I would also advise you to strongly consider a non-mesh repair if surgery is required.
Kind regards.
Bill Brown MD
Log in to reply.