Hernia Information

[Guest dude1]

Flight Doc,

I'm not sure if I have a hernia or what, but I've had an ongoing soreness and slight swelling in my groin area (between my right leg and bellybutton) for a week now. This started after lifting some heavy boxes. Could I have a hernia or what? I'm worried about going to the flight doc because I don't know how long it would take to come off DNIF for a hernia repair surgery if I do have one. If I don't decide to go in to the doc, can I fly with it or will I end up causing something more serious?

dude1

[Guest Flight Doc]

If it's bothering you enough to ask the question, see your flight doc.

Possible outcomes:

You do have a hernia. You get it fixed and are DNIF for 6 weeks or so for recovery

You have a "pulled groin" (muscle strain). You're DNIF til it feels better.

These two possibilities cover about 99% of what's likely based on your description.

[Guest ColMustard]

Curious if anyone knows what the regs say about hernia operations performed more than once. I had surgery when I was about 11, and my doctor says I have a weakness on the other side. The side I had surgery on originally is fine, but will two hernia operations DQ you from a Class 1 medical and ultimately a pilot slot?

I greatly appreciate any thoughts, or directions on where I can concentrate my research.

Thanks,

ColMustard (not a real Colonel BTW)

[Guest F16PilotMD]

It is no problem.

[Guest greaper007]

What are the requirements as far as common groin hernias (the medical term is alluding me), ie how long can one have surgery for it prior to their initial physical. Sorry if I'm using the wrong terms here guys, I'm new. Thanks

[Guest F16PilotMD]

I believe the term you are looking for is INGUINAL HERNIA.

For Enlistment, the following are disqualifying:

A3.16.7.3.2.1. Hernia other than small asymptomatic umbilical or asymptomatic hiatal.

A3.16.7.3.2.2. History of operation for hernia within the preceding 60 days.

For Flying, the following is disqualifying:

A7.19.1.4. Hernia other than small asymptomatic umbilical or hiatal.

In general, as long as you get this repaired and you have a good outcome with no limitations to activity, you will be fine. No waiver required, no problem.

[Guest navobd]

It was discovered I had an inguinal hernia in college, which dq'd me on my FC1. I had the surgery over the summer (very interesting experience) and after a brief recovery period (2-3 months) I went back and got qualified. Never knew I had it until the flight doc told me. It wasn't a pleasant experience but worth it to get the slot!

[Guest Brandy]

Flight Doc,

I had an umbilical hernia when i was about 18 onths old. Ive never had any problems with it and havent had a hernia since then. So I was wondering if that would DQ during the flight physical. If so, is that waiverable?

Thanks alot,

Brandy

[Guest F16PilotMD]

Only DQ if it's still there. If so, it must be fixed. That's typically very simple surgery. No waiver possible for hernia.

[Guest Brandy]

Alright thanks alot. Yes it is fixed. It would suck to be walking around with a hernia for 20 years. There are no visible scars just scar tissue from the surgery. Little unsure of what you mean by "if its still there". So to clarify what I had stated in the first post. I had the surgery done before the age of two. Its never caused me any problems or discomfort. If my mom had not told me about it I wouldnt have even known it was there. So by what you stated Im guessing I'm good to go. Let me know if I'm incorrect and if not thanks for the input.

[Guest F16PilotMD]

You should be good to go. Only issue is if you still have the hernia on physical exam. I don't mean it hasn't ever been fixed--I mean it has recurred. Yes...you could have a hernia and not know it (i.e.: no symptoms). You likely do NOT still have it.

[ 15. April 2004, 18:14: Message edited by: F16PilotMD ]

[Guest GatorAF]

Does an inguinal hernia give a FCII or FCIII? Is this waiverable up to a FCI or FCIa? Or does this allow me to fly certain aircraft and not others (fighters)? Any help would be very appreciated!!!

[Guest F16PilotMD]

I think it will be DQ and need to be fixed for all flying classes.

[Guest GatorAF]

Thanks for your reply, F16MD. I had surgery to repair it some time ago. And, it has had no effect on my physical performance to date. So, since it already has been fixed, will I still get DQ? Am I still eligible for a FCI?

[Guest MEH9030]

I had one when I was a baby. The Flight Doc never said a word about it (no mention of waiver). I've been through FC1/MFS and head to Sheppard in a month. 16MD knows better than I do, but just as an example they didn't bother me about it. Maybe since it happened so long ago? Either way good luck!

[Guest F16PilotMD]

No problem. I would get a copy of the surgeon's operative report and/or a letter from him stating that you have no restrictions, are healed well, etc.

Inguinal herniae are not a problem if they don't recurr, heal well, and you have no symptoms. No problem with an IFC-1...I've got the scar to prove it.

[Guest crobey]

Have you ever heard of someone being removed and not reinstated because of a hernia?

[Guest F16PilotMD]

no

[Guest jmarburger]

Flight Doc,

I have my pilot slot, and will be graduating college in May 06'. I was scheduled to go up for my Flight 1 this August(Now prob having to re-schedule), but have recently descovered that I have a hernia. My questions are: After I get it fixed and recover, will my slot be jepordized in any way? Also, are there any special procedures that the Air Force Perfers when "fixing" the hernia? Thanks~!

[Guest F16PilotMD]

Should not be a problem once fixed.

[Guest KillYourself]

To follow up on TTU's question: what's the most common way to fix an inguinal hernia?

I've heard the "heyhole" or laparoscopic surgery is easy but doesn't do a good job of fixing the hernia. I'm a little curious about the British "mesh" technique; seems better but I haven't heard much about it.

Also, I understand that you should be ok to fly after the hernia is repaired but what about pulling G's? I've got my spot for strike nav but will a inguinal hernia affect going 15's or any high intensity airframe?

[Guest F16PilotMD]

The best way to repair an initial inguinal hernia is with an "open" technique via a groin incision. Typically use mesh in an adult. The laparoscopic techniques are not as good for initial inguinal herniae.

Once you heal up, you can fly (or, ride in) anything.

[LJDRVR]

Hey Killyourself,

Look up Dr. David Grishken in Cleveland. He's been doing the shouldice patch repair for years now. ALL THIS GUY DOES IS HERNIAS! I think he's up to over 8000 procedures. Arnold Palmer, Clint Eastwood, Me...

The procedure is done with valium, just a small incision. (Your career as a porn star is safe) Best of all, his recurrance rate is less than 2%. I think the General Surgeon rate is around one third to one half.

No general anesthesia, and you walk out of the hospital that afternoon. No restrictions on activity the next day.

PM me if you can't find him on google.

[ 24. August 2005, 21:04: Message edited by: LJDRVR ]

[Guest F16PilotMD]

The General Surgeon recurrence rate for inguinal hernia repairs today is less than 1%. In the days prior to surgical mesh repairs, the recurrence rates were much higher (10+%). Not anymore. Surgeons who only do hernias are fine but any general surgeon can fix your hernia and you can go home that day. "No restrictions" on activity is probably wrong. Everyone has different recommendations, but you won't be full-go the next few days. Surgery (by any surgeon) hurts.

[Guest prazors]

MD- how would I know if I had an inguinal hernia? Sometimes my lower abs look like they "stick out" when I exhale.