Inguinal hernias develop when tissue, commonly intestine or fat, bulges through a weakened area in the lower abdominal wall, usually in the groin region. This bulge can cause pain and discomfort, and surgery is often recommended.
If you’re facing an inguinal hernia, understanding inguinal hernia surgery is crucial. This blog discusses everything you need to know about this procedure.
What is Inguinal Hernia Surgery?
Inguinal hernia surgery addresses hernias in the groin by repairing the weakened area of the abdominal wall and returning protruding tissue to its proper position.
The procedure aims to prevent recurrence by strengthening the weakened abdominal wall. Surgeons employ various techniques, such as open or laparoscopic, chosen based on the hernia’s severity and complexity.
Understanding the Condition
Before delving into the surgical aspect, it’s crucial to understand what an inguinal hernia is and how it develops.
Inguinal hernias manifest when sections of the intestine or fatty tissue protrude through a vulnerable area adjacent to the inguinal canal in the abdominal wall.
This canal, located on both sides of the lower abdomen, connects to the genitals. The protrusion of the intestine or fatty tissue creates a noticeable bulge, particularly near the groin area in males.
There are two types of inguinal hernias:
- Direct – Direct hernias develop gradually in adult males due to a weakened abdominal wall, often due to aging or excessive strain on the muscles.
- Indirect –Indirect hernias, on the other hand, are present from birth and result from issues with the abdominal wall. While more common in males, they can also occur in females.
Types of Inguinal Hernia Surgery
There are two primary types of inguinal hernia surgery:
1- Open Hernia Repair:
In open hernia repair, a single long incision is made in the groin area to access the hernia.
The protruding tissue is pushed back into place, and the weakened abdominal wall is reinforced with stitches or a synthetic mesh.
Recovery from open hernia repair may take several weeks, and patients may experience discomfort during the healing process.
2- Laparoscopic Hernia Repair:
Laparoscopic hernia repair involves creating several tiny incisions in the abdomen, representing a minimally invasive approach.
One of the incisions is an entry point for a slender, flexible tube equipped with a camera, known as a laparoscope, which guides the surgeon during the procedure.
During the procedure, specialized surgical tools are employed to mend the hernia internally, often with a synthetic mesh.
Recovery from laparoscopic hernia repair is typically faster compared to open surgery, with less postoperative pain and scarring.
While inguinal hernias typically don’t resolve independently, not all cases require surgery.
Some hernias can be manually pushed back into place by a doctor. However, surgery is necessary if the hernia is incarcerated (stuck outside the abdominal wall) or causes symptoms.
Rarely, individuals may use a Truss—a supportive belt—to manage the hernia long-term. Ultimately, surgical intervention is the primary treatment option for inguinal hernias.
Importance of Surgery
- Though immediate surgery isn’t necessary for all inguinal hernias, it’s crucial to address the condition to mitigate potential complications promptly.
- If left untreated, inguinal hernias can lead to complications such as incarceration, where the protruding tissue becomes trapped and the blood supply to the affected area is compromised.
- Emergency surgery may be required to prevent tissue damage or organ dysfunction in such cases.
Symptoms
Inguinal hernias may initially present with subtle symptoms, gradually becoming more noticeable as the hernia enlarges. Symptoms may include:
- Feeling of heaviness or pressure in the groin area.
- Small bulge on one or both sides of the groin may disappear when lying down.
- Enlargement of the scrotum in males.
- Weakness in the groin.
- Pain, burning, or gurgling sensations at the site of the bulge.
- Sharp pain or discomfort exacerbated by lifting, coughing, bending, or exercising.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing an inguinal hernia usually involves a physical examination by a healthcare professional.
They may feel for a bulge in the groin area and ask about any accompanying symptoms. Imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI may also be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the hernia.
Who is at risk of developing an inguinal hernia?
Several factors raise the risk of developing an inguinal hernia. One key factor is a weakened abdominal wall, making it prone to pressure and hernia formation.
Other risk factors include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Premature birth
- Conditions such as cystic fibrosis
- Previous history of inguinal hernia
- Chronic constipation
- Male gender
- Obesity or overweight
- Persistent cough
- Pregnancy
Recovery
- After inguinal hernia surgery, full recovery is expected, but there’s a risk of recurrence. Avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous exercise post-surgery is essential to lower this risk.
- Doctors can typically correct inguinal hernias quickly. However, if severe pain, nausea, or fever occurs with a hernia, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.
Why choose Dr. Girish Juneja for your Inguinal Hernia surgery in Dubai?
With a wealth of experience in advanced laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Girish Juneja is a highly regarded surgeon in Dubai whom both local and international patients trust.
His surgical team is dedicated to delivering top-notch results and ensuring patient safety, making them a reliable choice for surgical procedures.
Book an appointment now.