How are inguinal hernias treated?

Top Doctors recently spoke to distinguished consultant general, vascular, and paediatric surgeon, Mr Rame Sunthareswaran. In this article, the revered doctor explains what an inguinal hernia is, outlines the related symptoms, and details how they are treated.

What is an inguinal hernia?

An inguinal hernia is a condition in which a portion of the intestine or other abdominal tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall, specifically in the inguinal canal. This weak spot can occur naturally or as a result of injury or strain. Inguinal hernias are more common in men than in women.

What are the symptoms of inguinal hernias, and how can they affect a patient's quality of life?

Symptoms of inguinal hernias include a bulging or lump in the groin area, pain or discomfort in the groin, and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the area. Hernias can also cause a dragging or aching sensation in the groin, and can cause difficulty standing or lifting heavy objects. These symptoms can affect a patient's quality of life by causing discomfort and limiting their ability to perform daily activities.

How are hernias in the groin treated?

Hernias in the groin are typically treated with surgery, which aims to push the protruding tissue back into the abdominal cavity and repair the weak spot in the abdominal wall. The procedure is known as a herniorrhaphy.

The surgical options for inguinal hernia repair include open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. The type of surgery will depend on the size and location of the hernia, as well as the patient's overall health.

What can happen if inguinal hernias aren't given medical attention?

If inguinal hernias aren't given medical attention, the protruding tissue can become trapped or strangulated, which can cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Strangulation can also cause the blood supply to the trapped tissue to be cut off, leading to tissue death and infection. This can be a life-threatening condition and it requires emergency surgery.

Is it possible for small groin hernias to go untreated?

Small inguinal hernias may not cause any symptoms and may not require treatment. However, it is important to keep in mind that even small hernias can become larger and more symptomatic over time, and can also become trapped or strangulated.

Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor if you suspect you have a hernia, even if it does not cause any symptoms. Your doctor will evaluate the hernia and recommend the best course of treatment.

Mr Rame Sunthareswaran is a highly revered consultant general, vascular, and paediatric surgeon who specialises in performing surgery to treat inguinal hernias. Make sure you book an appointment with him today via his Top Doctors profile if you require inguinal hernia treatment.