About inguinal hernias
Inguinal hernias, or groin hernias, happen when abdominal tissue pushes through the inguinal canal—a passageway that runs down your inner thigh. They account for up to 75% of all hernias1 and affect men eight times more, but can also affect women and children.2 There are two types of inguinal hernias: indirect and direct.
What’s the difference between a direct and indirect inguinal hernia?
All inguinal hernias affect the groin area. However, there are two distinct types:1
- Indirect inguinal hernias usually occur due to a birth defect and enter the inguinal canal through the top.
- Direct inguinal hernias develop when abdominal muscles weaken or face long-term pressure on the abdominal wall, penetrating directly through the wall of the inguinal canal.
What are the common inguinal hernias symptoms?
- Pressure or heaviness in the groin.
- Dull pain in the groin, especially while lifting, coughing, straining, or bending over.
- A burning or pinching sensation through your pelvis or down your leg.
If you have symptoms of an inguinal hernia, it’s important to have it diagnosed as soon as possible to rule out other possible causes of groin pain. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience adverse symptoms or complications, including:1
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty urinating or passing a bowel movement
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness
- If your hernia increases in size or becomes incarcerated and can’t be pushed back inside
These may signify a serious condition called strangulation where an obstruction of your intestines can cut off blood flow causing intestinal or bowel tissue to die.3 Check out our Hernia Pain guidelines to get familiar with the signs.
What are the common symptoms of inguinal hernias in children?2
Inguinal hernias can occur in newborns and children due to a weakness in the abdominal wall that’s present from birth. The hernia may only be visible when the infant or child is crying, coughing, or straining during a bowel movement. He/she may have a decreased appetite or be more irritable than normal. If you’re concerned your child has a hernia, consult their pediatrician.
What are the causes of inguinal hernias?1,2
Inguinal hernias occur when there’s a weakness or opening in the lower abdominal wall that allows tissue to push through. Contributing factors may include:
- Age
- An opening or weak spot present at birth or from previous abdominal surgery
- Chronic coughing or sneezing
- Straining during bowel movements or urination
- Frequent, strenuous exercise, lifting, or manual labor
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
How are inguinal hernias diagnosed?1
To determine whether or not you have an inguinal hernia, your healthcare provider will likely begin with a physical examination. During the exam, you may be asked to stand and cough to make the hernia appear bigger. If the hernia isn’t visible from the outside, imaging tests including an ultrasound or CT scan may be performed.
How are inguinal hernias treated?1
Treating an inguinal hernia typically requires surgery. Most hernia repairs can be managed by minimally invasive surgery methods, but hernias that are more complicated may require open surgery. The type of surgery you have will depend on your condition, prior surgical history, and the judgment of your surgeon.
There are three primary surgical options for hernia repair: open, laparoscopic, and robotic.
What are the surgical options for an inguinal hernia?
The appropriate type of surgery for you may depend on the size, severity, and location of your hernia. Ask your doctor about which option is right for you.
- Open surgery: As the traditional surgical method, an open surgical procedure involves making a large incision over the area of the hernia. The hernia bulge is returned to its correct position and a mesh is often placed to help strengthen and support the weakened area before closing up the incision.
- Robotic surgery: A robotic hernia repair is a minimally invasive surgery requiring small incisions where the surgeon controls the procedure from a specialized robotic console.4 Patients may also experience a faster recovery, less pain, and fewer complications following robotic surgery compared to an open surgery.5
- Laparoscopic surgery: Similar to robotic repair, a surgeon will use several small, ‘key-hole’ sized incisions during laparoscopic surgery. Instruments, such as a camera, are then inserted through the incisions to perform the operation.6
Learn more about surgical techniques.
Seeking care for an inguinal hernia
If you have symptoms of an inguinal hernia, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to have it diagnosed and to rule out other possible causes of pain. Visit our Surgeon Finder to find hernia care near you and download our Doctor Discussion Guide to help you on your journey.
The guidance provided in this article follows general rules that should be discussed with your doctor. This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not substitute for medical advice. If in doubt, always consult your doctor.
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References
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16266-inguinal-hernia
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inguinal-hernia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351547
- https://pedsurg.ucsf.edu/condition/inguinal-hernia-pediatric
- https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/ACHC/patients/treatment
- https://www.trihealth.com/blogs/health-tips/what-to-know-about-hernias-and-hernia-repair
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17968-robotic-surgery-for-hernia-repair
This site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your physician can diagnose and appropriately treat your symptoms. BD does not recommend the use of any particular physician or team of physicians. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice regarding who should be part of your hernia repair team.
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