Definition

Inguinal hernia is a swelling in the groin area just above the hip. In the groin there is a weak area in the muscles of the wall of the tummy (abdomen). This is where in males blood vessels and other tubes pass from inside the abdomen to the testis. Inguinal hernias are ten times more common in males than in females.

Incidence/Age

Inguinal hernias are quite common in male babies and children. They can also occur at any age in adult life.

Causes/Risk factors

People often notice hernias first after heavy work or lifting. Having a chronic cough (often due to smoking), straining to pass water or straining to pass motions may also cause a hernia to become obvious. Prevention There are no specific measures to prevent and inguinal hernia from developing.

Symptoms/Signs

People notice a lump in the groin, more prominent on standing up. The lump usually disappears completely when lying down. There may be some discomfort in the groin, especially when the hernia first develops, or on straining the muscles of the tummy.. If the lump does not disappear and is painful, urgent medical advice is needed.

Complications

Untreated, inguinal hernias will increase in size. Some of the contents of the abdomen (usually a part of the bowel) may become trapped in the hernia. There is a risk of bowel obstruction, or even interruption of the blood supply to bowel in the hernia. If this happens and emergency operation will be needed.

Tests

Careful examination by a doctor is usually all that is needed to make a diagnosis of an inguinal hernia.

Treatment

For most people, the best option is an operation. In children, this is very straightforward and is almost always done as a day case with a brief general anaesthetic. For most adults, inguinal hernias can be repaired with a day case operation. This can be done with either local or general anaesthetic.

This can be discussed with the specialist. The operation involves strengthening the weak muscles. Most surgeons used a piece of strong plastic mesh to stitch over the weak area. Some surgeons repair hernias by keyhole surgery, but there is no evidence yet that there are any advantages over conventional surgery. In old or frail people a truss (support belt) may be tried. A truss does not cure a hernia, and is often awkward and uncomfortable to wear


Written by Medpages Editorial Team
Last Editorial Review: 18/1/2010