Inguinal Hernia

An inguinal hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine or abdominal tissue pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall, creating a bulge in the groin area. It is the most common type of hernia, making up nearly 75% of all hernia cases.

While some hernias cause only mild discomfort, untreated inguinal hernias can become serious if intestinal tissue becomes trapped (incarcerated) or loses its blood supply (strangulated). Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for proper care.

What Is an Inguinal Hernia?

The inguinal canal is a passage in the lower abdominal wall. In men, it contains the spermatic cord, and in women, it supports a ligament attached to the uterus. An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue protrudes through a weak spot in this canal.

• In men: The condition is more common because the testicles descend through the canal at birth, leaving a natural weak spot.
• In women: Inguinal hernias are less frequent but can occur when abdominal tissue pushes into the groin area.

Types of Inguinal Hernias

• Indirect inguinal hernia: Usually congenital, this occurs when the opening in the groin (where the testicles passed before birth) fails to close properly. More common in men but can affect women as well.
• Direct inguinal hernia: Develops later in life due to a weakened abdominal wall, often from age, strain, or injury.

Incarcerated and Strangulated Hernias

• Incarcerated hernia: The bulge cannot be pushed back into the abdomen.
• Strangulated hernia: Blood supply to the trapped intestine is cut off. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate surgery.

Symptoms of Inguinal Hernia

Symptoms may differ slightly between men and women. Common signs include:

• A visible bulge in the groin or scrotum, especially noticeable when standing, coughing, or exercising
• Pain, burning, or pressure in the groin area
• A feeling of heaviness or dragging in the groin
• In severe cases: redness, nausea, vomiting, or fever (possible sign of strangulation)

How Inguinal Hernias Are Diagnosed

Diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam:

• Your doctor may ask you to cough or strain while they feel for a bulge.
• In some cases, imaging is needed:
  • Ultrasound – useful for soft tissue evaluation
  • MRI – provides detailed images if diagnosis is unclear

Treatment Options for Inguinal Hernia

Because inguinal hernias rarely improve on their own, surgery is often recommended to prevent complications.

Open Surgery

• A single incision in the groin is made.
• The bulging tissue is pushed back into the abdomen.
• The wall is reinforced with stitches and sometimes synthetic mesh.
• Longer recovery time compared to laparoscopy.

Laparoscopic Surgery

• Several small incisions are made in the abdomen.
• A laparoscope (camera) guides the surgeon.
• Mesh is placed to reinforce the abdominal wall.
• Minimally invasive, with less pain and quicker recovery.

Explore Robotic Hernia Surgery

Recovery After Inguinal Hernia Surgery

• Return to light activity: Often within 1–2 weeks
• Return to full activity: Usually 4–6 weeks, depending on procedure
• Prevention tips: Follow lifting precautions, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking to reduce recurrence risk

If you notice severe pain, nausea, fever, or swelling after surgery, contact your doctor immediately.

Expert Hernia Care at Hernia Innovations

At Hernia Innovations, our experienced team specializes in minimally invasive and robotic hernia repairs. Whether you’re dealing with a first-time inguinal hernia or a recurrence, we provide personalized treatment plans to help you recover quickly and safely.

Call us today at (925) 940-1025 or schedule an appointment online.