Inguinal Hernias

The inguinal canal is a passage or opening through the muscles of the abdominal wall. An inguinal hernia occurs when a small portion of the bowel pushes through the inguinal canal into the groin. Inguinal hernia may be congenital (that is, present at birth), or the result of chronic pressure, repetitive strain, or an injury to the muscles of the addominal wall. Congenital hernias are commonly called indirect hernias, while hernias that result after birth from strain or injury are reffered to as direct hernias.

Hernia pain can range from debilitating to annoying, from sharp and suddent to a dull, constant ache. They may reduce general mobility and restrict physical activity. While measures can be taken to ease the pain of a hernia, they never cure themselves.

Inguinal Hernia Symptoms

Understanding inguinal hernia symptoms and treatment methods and taking action is crucial to avoiding emergency surgery.

Although you may not feel pain or discomfort a doctor should always be contacted and visited before making any decisions on whether to choose inguinal hernia surgery, or to wait.

Inguinal Hernia Types

Direct Inguinal Hernias – protrudes through the inguinal ring and is ultimately the result of the failure of embryonic closure of the internal inguinal ring after the testicle passes through it

Indirect Inguinal Hernias – enters through a weak point in the fascia of the abdominal wall.

An inguinal hernia may also become a strangulated or incarcerated inguinal hernia which is a more serious situation which may involve emergency surgery.

Inguinal Hernia Repair

Inguinal hernia surgery is the only treatment and cure for an inguinal hernia. There is no other way to rid yourself of a hernia. For this reason, inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. There are other methods of temporary inguinal hernia repair and inguinal hernia relief which we will discuss further.

Inguinal Hernia Recovery

In the hours following your laparoscopic hernia operation, you will experience some pain from the small incisions your surgeon made to perform the procedure. Within three to five hours, you will be discharged from the hospital with a family member or other escort.

At home you will be able to take care of yourself. In two or three days, you can return to work and your normal routine. If you exercise, you can also resume a fitness program and sports competition. After a few months, the surgical incisions will be barely visible.