Inguinal hernia

Inguinal Hernia
Other names	Groin hernia
Inguinal fossae
Illustration of an inguinal hernia
Specialty	Surgery, General medicine

An inguinal hernia is a medical condition characterized by the protrusion of a portion of the intestines or abdominal tissue through a weakness in the abdominal wall, specifically in the inguinal canal area, which is located in the groin.

Overview

The inguinal canal is an area in the lower abdomen where the abdominal muscles are naturally weaker. An inguinal hernia occurs when pressure within the abdomen, caused by lifting heavy items, straining, or even coughing, pushes a part of the intestines or abdominal tissue through this weak spot. It is one of the most common types of hernia and occurs more often in men than in women due to anatomical differences.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of an inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin area that can often be seen or felt. Other symptoms may include:

• Pain or discomfort in the groin, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting
• A heavy or dragging sensation in the groin
• Weakness or pressure in the groin
• Occasionally, pain and swelling around the testicles if the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum

Causes

Factors that increase pressure within the abdomen and may lead to an inguinal hernia include:

• Persistent coughing or sneezing
• Straining during bowel movements or urination
• Heavy lifting
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Chronic lung disease
• Previous surgical incision in the area

Treatment

Small and asymptomatic inguinal hernias may only require monitoring. However, if the hernia is causing discomfort or growing larger, surgical intervention may be necessary. There are two main types of surgery:

• Open hernia repair (herniorrhaphy): An incision is made in the groin, and the protruding tissue is pushed back into the abdomen. The weak area is then sewn and reinforced with a synthetic mesh.
• Laparoscopic hernia repair: A minimally invasive procedure that involves several small incisions in the abdomen, through which a laparoscope and surgical tools are inserted to repair the hernia.

See Also

• Hernia
• Laparoscopic surgery
• General surgery

References

Inguinal hernia Resources
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