HOME > HERNIA TYPES > INGUINAL HERNIA
Inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia and accounts for roughly 70% of all hernias occurrences, whilst being one of the most common procedures in general surgery. It can be found in the groin area, located at the pubic bone between the lower abdomen and the leg. Inguinal hernias occur through the inguinal canal, an area where the testicle comes through on its way to the scrotum during the development of males. Our team of expert consultants are vastly experienced in the treatment of inguinal hernias and use the latest repair techniques to ensure excellent results, the fastest possible recovery and a minimal chance of re-occurrence.
An inguinal hernia will occur through weakening of abdominal muscles around the inguinal canal allowing the pressure of internal organs to create a swelling or lump in the groin. The inguinal canal is a passageway between the abdomen and the genitals that is much larger in men than women. As a result this condition is far more common in males.
You will see or feel a lump or swelling under the skin that may be uncomfortable, painful and sensitive to the touch. The swelling will often disappear completely when you lie down, as the ‘contents’ of the hernia sac slip back through the hole into the abdomen. Sometimes there is hardly any swelling to see, but you may be conscious of a strange feeling in the groin when you are standing or walking for any period of time.
Additional symptoms
Generally hernias are painless but occasionally patients may feel slight discomfort when bending, lifting or standing for long periods of time. There is a very high chance you have an inguinal hernia if there is a bulge or swelling under the skin at the groin that disappears when the patient lies down and the pressure is taken away from the weak area of the abdomen. It is important to see your GP to confirm the diagnosis even if the hernia causes no pain. Your GP will then refer you to a specialist hernia surgeon.
It is preferable to be examined standing rather than lying. If there is an obvious swelling that disappears when you lie down, it is very likely to be an inguinal hernia and no further or more specialists tests should be required.
More specialist tests or x-rays are available but are not usually needed. Situations where they might be used are as below.
At London Hernia we offer rapid access/turnaround from consultation to surgery. With a wealth of talented surgeons and available theatre slots we can work around your schedule and ensure you’re back to health as soon as possible. For the next available surgery slot we recommend contacting our specialist team.
Surgery is the recommended option and the repair method will vary based on each individual case. At London Hernia we offer the latest techniques that ensure you a quick recovery and the highest quality of repair. Repair methods that are available are listed below.
Open mesh or tension free mesh is an advanced technique was pioneered by London Hernia Consultants and has been perfected over thousands of successful operations. It involves positioning a piece of fine mesh at the opening and allowing the body to heal naturally around it for a successful and enduring repair carried out in minutes under local anaesthetic.
This process involves four small incisions made through the abdominal wall through which a small thin telescope and surgical instruments are positioned to examine and deal with the hernia internally. This minimally invasive technique uses carbon dioxide gas to inflate the cavity to allow space for the surgeon to work remotely. The hernia hole is located and covered with mesh, which is stapled into place.
Many hernias do not hurt so the temptation is to leave them and get on with life. But failing to get medical advice can be damaging and is not recommended. If left the hernia will grow and discomfort and pain, even if negligible to start with, will intensify.
Using a truss or fitted belt tends to be old fashioned, awkward and uncomfortable. They also rarely fit well enough to stop the hernia popping out. Trusses are OK if you really are too unwell or too scared to have an operation – but they are a poor solution to the problem.
At London Hernia our surgical techniques are extremely effective and are able to be carried out under local anaesthetic. This ensures you don’t have to be asleep –‘knocked out’ – under a general anaesthetic. Read more about our hernia repair methods.
An inguino-scrotal hernia is an advanced form of an inguinal hernia where the bowel has passed completlely through the inguinal canal and has entered the scrotum. An inguino-scrotal hernia is often more uncomfortable than an inguinal hernia, and are more difficult to push back in. An inguino-scrotal hernia is often unsightly and the likelihood of strangulation of bowel is higher than with inguinal hernias.
A truss is unlikely to be of help at this stage and the recommendation from our specialist hernia surgeons is that an inguino-scrotal hernia should be repaired surgically.
To ask a question or book an appointment you can contact our team by calling (+351) 22 20 62 100 or by emailing us at info@portoherniaclinic.com.