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Inguinal Hernia

• An inguinal hernia is a condition in which intra-abdominal fat or part of the small intestine, also called the small bowel, bulges through a weak area in the lower abdominal muscles. An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin—the area between the abdomen and thigh.

• An inguinal hernia can occur any time from infancy to adulthood and is much more common in males than females.

• Direct and indirect hernias are the two types of inguinal hernia, and they have different causes.

• Symptoms of an inguinal hernia usually appear gradually and include a bulge in the groin, discomfort or sharp pain, a feeling of weakness or pressure in the groin, and a burning, gurgling, or aching feeling at the bulge.

• An incarcerated inguinal hernia is a hernia that becomes stuck in the groin or scrotum and cannot be massaged back into the abdomen.

• A strangulated hernia, in which the blood supply to the incarcerated small intestine is jeopardized, is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include extreme tenderness and redness in the area of the bulge, sudden pain that worsens quickly, fever, rapid heart rate, nausea, and vomiting.

• An inguinal hernia is diagnosed through a physical examination.

• Inguinal hernias may be repaired through surgery. Surgery is performed through one incision or with a laparoscope and several small incisions.

• Surgery for inguinal hernia is usually done on an outpatient basis. Recovery time varies depending on the size of the hernia, the technique used, and the age and health of the patient.

• Complications from inguinal hernia surgery are rare and can include general anesthesia complications, hernia recurrence, bleeding, wound infection, painful scar, and injury to internal organs.