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An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Surgery is often required.
An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue or part of an organ – often a section of intestine – protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall in the groin area.
Due to anatomical differences in the inguinal canal, men are more often affected by inguinal hernias than women. Causes include congenital weakness, increased abdominal pressure, and injury.
Common symptoms include a bulge or swelling in the groin that becomes more noticeable when standing or straining. There may be pulling or pressure pain, and some hernias are initially painless but carry the risk of incarceration, where trapped tissue loses its blood supply – a surgical emergency.
Treatment usually involves surgery to close the hernia opening and reinforce the abdominal wall. Modern approaches often use minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopy) with quick recovery times. Untreated inguinal hernias can cause serious complications.
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