Overview

An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles in the groin area. This condition is more common in men and can cause a noticeable bulge, discomfort, or pain, especially when lifting, bending, or coughing. Inguinal hernias can be congenital (present at birth) or develop later in life due to various factors that increase pressure on the abdominal wall.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Congenital weakness in the abdominal wall
• Chronic coughing or sneezing (e.g., from smoking or allergies)
• Heavy lifting or physical exertion
• Straining during bowel movements (e.g., due to constipation)
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Aging (leading to weakened muscles)
• Previous abdominal surgery
• Fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
• Sudden weight gain or loss

Treatment

The primary treatment for an inguinal hernia is surgery, as the hernia will not heal on its own and can lead to complications like strangulation of the intestine. There are two main surgical approaches: open hernia repair (herniorrhaphy), where the surgeon makes an incision in the groin and pushes the protruding tissue back into place, and laparoscopic repair, a minimally invasive procedure using small incisions and a camera to guide the repair. Both methods often involve reinforcing the abdominal wall with mesh to prevent recurrence. Recovery typically involves rest and avoiding heavy lifting for several weeks. In some cases, if the hernia is small and not causing symptoms, a "watchful waiting" approach may be recommended, with surgery deferred unless the condition worsens.