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An inguinal hernia often begins with a small bulge or a feeling of discomfort in the groin area. It may become more pronounced during walking, coughing, straining, or physical activity and become less noticeable at rest. Even if the symptoms are minor, it is worth determining the size and type of the hernia and assessing the risk of its further enlargement.
At Oxford Medical, patients are consulted by experienced surgeons. After examination and the necessary tests, the doctor determines whether surgical treatment is required and which method will be appropriate in the specific case. You can schedule a consultation by phone or through the online appointment form on the website.
An inguinal hernia is a protrusion of fatty tissue, part of the intestine, or other structures of the abdominal cavity through a weakened area of the anterior abdominal wall into the inguinal canal. As a result, a hernia sac forms in the lower part of the abdomen.
According to anatomical location, two main types of inguinal hernias are distinguished:
The hernia may also be right-sided, left-sided, or bilateral. Determining its type and anatomical features is important for choosing the method of surgical treatment.
The causes of inguinal hernia formation are associated with weakness of the tissues in the area of the inguinal canal and increased intra-abdominal pressure. When these factors are combined, the anatomically vulnerable area gradually expands, and tissues of the abdominal cavity may protrude through it.
Factors that increase the risk of hernia formation include:
Hereditary predisposition also plays a separate role. If close relatives have had hernias, the risk of their occurrence may be higher, especially in the presence of additional strain on the anterior abdominal wall.
Physical activity itself does not cause a hernia. More often, exertion becomes a factor that reveals an already existing weakness of the tissues in the inguinal area.
The most characteristic sign is a bulge in the groin area, which may become more noticeable
when standing, coughing, straining, or engaging in physical exertion. It often decreases in size
at rest or when lying down.
Other possible symptoms include:
a sensation of pressure, heaviness, or fullness in the groin;
dragging or aching pain in the groin area;
discomfort when walking, bending, or standing for long periods;
gradual increase in the protrusion.
Doctors at Oxford Medical note: an inguinal hernia in men may sometimes descend into the scrotum, causing one half of it to increase in size and create a feeling of heaviness or tension. The severity of symptoms does not always correspond to the size of the defect. A small hernia may cause noticeable discomfort, while a larger one may cause almost no discomfort for some time.
In adults, a formed inguinal hernia does not disappear on its own. Special exercises, massage, or wearing a bandage cannot close the hernia defect, so the main method of treatment is hernioplasty.
A bandage is sometimes used as temporary support if the operation needs to be postponed or if there are certain contraindications to it. However, it does not strengthen the weakened area of the abdominal wall and does not prevent further enlargement of the hernia.
During the operation, the contents of the hernia sac are returned to the abdominal cavity, and the weakened area of the abdominal wall is reinforced. In most cases, a mesh implant is used for this purpose, which helps reduce the risk of recurrent hernia formation.
Possible complications include:
Strangulation is the most dangerous complication, since without restoration of blood flow, tissues can be damaged within a short period of time. This condition requires urgent surgical treatment.
Doctors at Oxford Medical warn: urgent medical attention is required if the protrusion becomes sharply painful, firm, and cannot be reduced, or if nausea, vomiting, pronounced abdominal bloating, or inability to pass gas and stool occurs. You should not try to reduce such a hernia on your own.
Planned surgery is recommended if the hernia increases in size, begins to limit everyday activity, or has features that increase the risk of complications. The decision regarding intervention is made after examination and testing, taking into account the type of defect, its size, location, and the patient's general condition.
Treatment of an inguinal hernia at an early stage does not always involve immediate surgery. In the case of a small asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic hernia, the doctor may in some cases recommend observation and periodic monitoring.
Doctors at Oxford Medical recommend seeking a consultation before the hernia begins to significantly interfere with everyday life. If surgery is necessary, its planned performance makes it possible to undergo examinations in advance and select the optimal treatment method.
The operation is performed under general anesthesia. During laparoscopic hernioplasty, several small punctures are made in the anterior abdominal wall. A laparoscope with a video camera and surgical instruments are inserted through them. Carbon dioxide is introduced into the abdominal cavity to create sufficient working space.
The image from the laparoscope is transmitted to a monitor in an enlarged view. This allows the surgeon to clearly see the anatomical structures of the inguinal area and control each stage of the intervention.
During the operation, the contents of the hernia sac are returned to the abdominal cavity. After that, the surgeon eliminates the hernia defect and, in most cases, reinforces the inguinal area with a mesh implant. The mesh creates additional support for the weakened tissues and helps reduce the risk of recurrent hernia formation.
After the main stages of the laparoscopic intervention are completed, the instruments are removed, the carbon dioxide is evacuated from the abdominal cavity, and the puncture sites are sutured and covered with sterile dressings.
During open hernioplasty, access to the hernia is provided through an incision in the inguinal area. The surgeon isolates the hernia sac, returns its contents to the abdominal cavity, and reinforces the weakened area. After that, the wound is sutured in layers.
Recovery after surgery occurs gradually. During the first few days, moderate pain, swelling, or a feeling of tension in the area of the intervention may occur — their severity depends on the method of surgery and the body's individual response.
During the rehabilitation period, it is recommended to:
It is important to avoid strong straining, as it increases intra-abdominal pressure. If constipation occurs after surgery, it is worth adjusting the diet and drinking regimen and, if necessary, discussing the use of medications to normalize bowel movements with the doctor.
Return to work, sports, and significant physical exertion should be gradual. The exact timing depends on the extent of the intervention, the method used to perform it, well-being, and the course of recovery, so it is determined individually during follow-up examinations.
Oxford Medical has a high-tech surgery department. Thanks to new expert-class equipment and the high professionalism of the surgeons, operations are performed using innovative techniques. They are more gentle, are associated with a lower risk of complications, and allow a faster return to an active life.
The cost of surgery to remove an inguinal hernia can vary significantly. It depends on the method of surgical intervention — laparoscopic or open access, as well as the form and stage of the disease. Laparoscopic operations usually cost more, but they are less traumatic and allow a return to an active lifestyle within 2 weeks.
You can find out the cost of hernia treatment at Oxford Medical here. To clarify the price taking into account the diagnosis and other individual characteristics, schedule an appointment with a doctor.
The information is for informational purposes only and does not replace a doctor's consultation.
Sources:
An inguinal hernia in women and men forms in the lower abdomen — in the area of the inguinal canal to the right or left of the pubis. The bulge may be unilateral or bilateral. In men, with large indirect hernias, the hernia sac sometimes descends lower toward the scrotum.
A hernia can be suspected by a protrusion in the inguinal area that becomes more noticeable in an upright position, during coughing, or abdominal straining. A doctor can accurately establish the diagnosis of an inguinal hernia after an examination. If the clinical picture is unclear, an ultrasound or CT scan of the abdominal organs may be prescribed if indicated.
Not necessarily. A small inguinal hernia may not cause pain for some time and may manifest only as a bulge or a feeling of heaviness in the groin. Discomfort more often appears after physical activity, prolonged walking, or straining. Sudden severe pain requires an urgent examination by a doctor.
The pain is most often felt in the groin area and may be pulling, aching, or burning. It may become more intense during walking, coughing, bending, or physical activity. Sharp, intense pain together with a firm, irreducible bulge may be a sign of strangulation.
In men, an inguinal hernia may extend along the spermatic cord and descend into the scrotum. Inguinal hernia in women may pass along the round ligament of the uterus and extend to the labia majora. This is the main anatomical difference.
You should not lift excessive weight or perform exercises after which the bulge increases or pain occurs. You should not try to forcibly reduce a firm or painful hernia on your own or constantly wear a support belt instead of treatment. If the bulge can no longer be reduced and sharp pain occurs, emergency medical care is required.
Operations are performed mainly laparoscopically.
Using the Fast Track Surgery rapid preparation and rehabilitation protocol
Availability of intensive care units (resuscitation) equipped with equipment to monitor and support vital body functions
Hotel-style wards for postoperative recovery with 24-hour medical supervision
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