What you need to know about inguinal hernias

Written in association with: Mr Rajab Kerwat
Published:
Edited by: Karolyn Judge

If you have an inguinal hernia, you might begin to notice potential symptoms such as pain, discomfort or a lump.

 

If you’re concerned about getting treatment for an inguinal hernia, leading consultant laparoscopic and gastrointestinal surgeon in London and Orpington Mr Rajab Kerwat provides a detailed insight to this condition in this informative article. 

Woman with a potential hernia

What is an inguinal hernia?

An inguinal hernia is when a portion of tissue, such as a part of the intestine, pushes through a weakened spot in the muscles of the abdominal wall and into the inguinal canal.

 

 

How is an inguinal hernia diagnosed?

Inguinal hernia diagnosis is typically based on:

  • the history of symptoms;
  • a physical exam and;
  • possibly imaging tests.

External hernias can often be detected in a physical exam, since typically they cause a bulge that’s visible or can be felt in certain situations.

Your doctor will feel for a hernia while you sit, stand or even cough. They may also undertake imaging tests such as an ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan.

 

 

What are the symptoms of an inguinal hernia?

Symptoms of an inguinal hernia may include a bulge in the groin area that is more noticeable when you are standing up, particularly when you cough or strain. It may disappear when lying down. Other symptoms of an inguinal hernia may include:

  • an ache;
  • burning;
  • discomfort;
  • pain or a heavy or dragging sensation in your groin around the bulge.

 

 

What causes an inguinal hernia?

An inguinal hernia occurs when fatty tissue or a part of your bowel pokes through into your groin at the top of your inner thigh.

 

This is the most common type of hernia and it mainly affects men. It’s often associated with ageing and repeated strain on the tummy.

 

The exact cause is not known but it is believed that a weakness in the abdominal wall as a result of aging or muscle strain causes the fatty tissue, or a part of the intestine to bulge into the groin.

 

 

How is an inguinal hernia treated?

Hernia can be treated based on the size of the bulging and severity. Doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, medication or surgery. If your hernia is small and isn’t bothering you, your doctor may recommend watchful waiting. This is where you closely watch your condition but don’t have treatment unless symptoms appear or change.

 

Wearing a supportive truss may help relieve symptoms, but you should check with your doctor first. This is because it’s important that the truss fits properly, and is being used appropriately.

 

You may need surgery if your hernia is causing discomfort or is growing larger. There are two types of hernia repair surgeries: open hernia repair and laparoscopy.

 

Open hernia repair

In open hernia repair, the protruding tissues are pushed back through an incision in the groin, and a synthetic mesh is stitched around the weak spot.

 

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is minimally invasive surgery, or keyhole surgery, to repair the tissues of the weak area.

 

 

 

Looking for an expert to treat your inguinal hernia? Arrange an appointment with Mr Kerwat via his Top Doctors profile

By Mr Rajab Kerwat
Surgery

Mr Rajab Kerwat is a highly qualified consultant surgeon, with 20 years of experience, based in London and Orpington. He who specialises in gallstones, inguinal hernias and weight loss surgery, as well as endoscopy, hernia and reflux surgery.
 
Mr Kerwat has an MBBCh from Tripoli University Medical School at the University of Al Fateh, Libya, a FRCSEd from The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, a FRCS (Eng) at the Royal College of Surgeons of England and was also awarded a fellowship in General Surgery from The Intercollegiate Board of Surgery.
 
He underwent higher surgical training in London, Cardiff and Mini fellowship training in Tokyo National Cancer Centre and the Cleveland Clinic's Bariatric (weight loss) & Metabolic Surgery Unit. More recently, he completed a clinical fellowship in advanced laparoscopic bariatric and metabolic surgery including revisional bariatric surgery in Bruges, Belgium.
 
Moreover, Mr Kerwat has a special interest in the management of gallstone disease. He is one of the few surgeons in the country with the combined expertise of endoscopic (ERCP) and laparoscopic (key hole) skills in the management of complicated gallstone disease. He combines laparoscopy and endoscopy ERCP skills in the management of complicated bile duct stones with jaundice and pancreatitis cases. He has advanced laparoscopic surgical skills and has performed many complex keyhole procedures such as anti-reflux for severe GORD, and complex hiatus hernia surgery for giant hiatus hernia.
 
He provides a wide range of hernia repair surgery including primary inguinal, femoral and recurrent incisional hernia, alongside a wide range of surgical options for hernia repair including laparoscopic TEP repair and IPOM for both primary and recurrent hernias
 
Mr Kerwat’s expertise in laparoscopic surgery and laparoscopic cholecystectomy is illustrated in the several articles he has published on the topic in various peer-reviewed journals. Moreover, he works to provide patients with the highest quality of care, which includes adopting an approach that incorporates continuous development and regular updates of his clinical, academic and technical skills.
 
He is a respected name in clinical education, and was an honorary upper GI surgeon at St Thomas' Hospital, London. He is a recognised trainer in general and laparoscopic surgery, and was a surgical tutor on the Royal College of Surgeons core surgical training programme.
 
He is also a member of various professional organisations including the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (AUGIS), the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) and The Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery Society (TUGSS).  

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