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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Swelling In The Lower Abdomen Indicate?

My husband has dementia and I gave him a shower tonight and noticed in between his belly button and above his penis it is puffed out. It is not hard and when I pushed on the lump it made a squishy sound. I am worried there may be something wrong with his intestines. Now he is very thin and it has been a couple days since he has had a bowel movement. Should I worry?
Mon, 23 Apr 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

What you are describing, sounds like an inguinal hernia. Does your husband usually have a problem with his bowel movements/constipation? If not, it is advisable to get it checked, as absent bowel movements could be the cause of an obstruction.

The squishy sounds are a result of his intestines being in this hernia. The cure is a surgery where the hernia is reduced, and can be done laparoscopically as well. Temporarily, a belt can be used. In the event that your husband still doesn't have a bowel movement, he should get it checked.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Pranav Balakrishnan
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What Does Swelling In The Lower Abdomen Indicate?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. What you are describing, sounds like an inguinal hernia. Does your husband usually have a problem with his bowel movements/constipation? If not, it is advisable to get it checked, as absent bowel movements could be the cause of an obstruction. The squishy sounds are a result of his intestines being in this hernia. The cure is a surgery where the hernia is reduced, and can be done laparoscopically as well. Temporarily, a belt can be used. In the event that your husband still doesn t have a bowel movement, he should get it checked. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Pranav Balakrishnan