What is an inguinal hernia?
The inguinal canal is a natural passage through the lower abdominal wall on each side of the groin. When the muscle and tissue around it weaken, fat or a loop of intestine can push through and form a bulge. Inguinal hernias are far more common in men, but women get them too.
Many people first notice a lump that appears when they stand, cough or lift and disappears when they lie down. Some hernias cause no pain at all; others cause aching, burning or a heavy, dragging feeling in the groin that gets worse by the end of the day.
Symptoms
- A bulge on one or both sides of the pubic bone
- Aching, pressure or burning in the groin, especially after lifting or standing for a long time
- A heavy or dragging sensation
- In men, swelling that extends into the scrotum
Talk with Dr. Arsenous about your options.
When is surgery recommended?
A hernia does not heal on its own, and most get larger over time. Dr. Arsenous usually recommends repair when a hernia causes symptoms, is growing, or limits work or exercise. For a small hernia that causes no symptoms, careful monitoring can be a reasonable choice for some patients; she will talk through the risks and benefits of each option with you.
Go to the emergency room if the bulge becomes firm, tender and cannot be pushed back in, or if you have severe pain, nausea, vomiting or cannot pass gas. These can be signs of a strangulated hernia, which needs urgent surgery.
How the repair is done
In an open repair, a single incision of a few inches is made over the hernia. The tissue is returned to its normal position and the weak area is reinforced, usually with a flat piece of surgical mesh.
In a laparoscopic repair, the surgeon works through a few small incisions using a camera. Mesh is placed behind the abdominal wall, covering the weak area from the inside. Laparoscopic repair is often a good option for hernias on both sides or for a hernia that has come back after an earlier open repair.
Both approaches are well established. The choice depends on the size of the hernia, whether both sides are affected, your previous surgeries and your general health.
Recovery
Most patients go home the same day. Expect soreness in the groin for several days; over-the-counter or prescribed pain medicine usually controls it. Walking is encouraged from the first day.
Many people with desk jobs return to work within one to two weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are usually avoided for about four to six weeks, depending on the type of repair. You will get specific instructions before you leave.