Inguinal Hernia Surgery

What is Inguinal Hernia Surgery?

Inguinal hernia is an abnormal bulge in the groin area which is the lower part of the abdomen almost with the leg or in the scrotum (bag where the testicles are located). They are more common in men, but can occur in women and children.

Symptoms of inguinal hernia include

Sensation and evidence of a lump or ball in the area in any of the groin regions and that becomes more noticeable when standing and especially if you cough or strain or even when walking.
A burning sensation or pain or discomfort in the area of the lump or groin area.
Pain or discomfort in the groin, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting.
A feeling of heaviness, weakness or pressure in the groin.
A lump or enlargement in the scrotal region that increases with coughing or straining.

Urgent symptoms in inguinal hernia are:

If you cannot push the hernia inward, its contents may become trapped (incarcerated) in the abdominal wall. An incarcerated hernia can become strangulated, which interrupts blood flow to the tissue that is trapped. A strangulated hernia can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Signs and symptoms of a strangulated hernia include:

Nausea, vomiting or both

Fever

Sudden pain that intensifies rapidly

A hernia lump that turns red, purplish or dark colored

Inability to evacuate the bowel or eliminate gas

Surgical Treatment of Inguinal Hernia Surgery

Hernia repair can be performed in two ways:

1- Open or traditional surgery.
2- Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic or robotic).

In both procedures, non-absorbable meshes are used to repair the inguinal floor.
Inguinal hernia surgery is currently a safe, comfortable and recommended method for most patients, however, the indications for traditional or laparoscopic surgery depend on each patient, and the characteristics of the hernia to be operated.

During hernia repair, regional anesthesia is administered to the patient, the procedure can sometimes be performed on an outpatient basis and the patient can leave the same day and return to work and normal life a few days later.

Dr. Javier Cisneros Lopez is a general surgeon specializing in inguinal hernia in the city of Tijuana, Baja California Mexico with 26 years of experience and more than 7,000 procedures performed. If you have any symptoms or doubts about your health, schedule an appointment here to receive medical attention appropriate to your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is an inguinal hernia?

An inguinal hernia occurs when a piece of tissue, such as a part of the intestine, pushes out through a weakened spot in the abdominal muscles. The bulge that occurs can be painful, especially when coughing, bending over or lifting a heavy object.

Why does a hernia occur?

Any activity or health problem that increases pressure on the tissue and muscles of the abdominal wall and inguinal region can lead to a hernia, including: Chronic constipation and straining (straining) hard to have a bowel movement or urinating. Chronic coughing or sneezing. As well as there being a certain genetic predisposition to form abdominal and inguinal hernias. Another very frequent cause are hernias that appear in wounds of surgery performed previously.

What are the signs and symptoms of inguinal hernia?

A bulge in the groin area or in the scrotal sac on either side of the pubic bone, which becomes more noticeable when you are upright and especially if you cough or strain.
A burning or aching sensation in the area of the lump
Pain or discomfort in the groin, especially when you bend over, cough, or lift weights
A feeling of heaviness or dragging in the groin.
Pain and swelling around the testicles when the protruding part of the bowel descends and enters the scrotum

What are the signs of inguinal hernia problems or urgency?

If you cannot push the inguinal hernia inward, its contents may become trapped (incarcerated) in the abdominal wall. An incarcerated hernia can become strangulated, which interrupts blood flow to the tissue that is trapped. A strangulated hernia can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Signs and symptoms of a strangulated hernia and require emergency surgery are:

Nausea, vomiting, or both.
Fever
Sudden pain that intensifies rapidly
Significant abdominal distention.
A hernia bulge that turns red, purplish, or dark in color
Inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas

When to consult a general surgeon?

When you detect a bulge in your inguinal region or in the scrotal area, you should be evaluated immediately by a general surgeon. The fact of having an inguinal hernia is a risk of presenting a complication of the same.

When should I seek emergency care for an inguinal hernia?

Seek immediate medical attention if the hernia bulge becomes red, purplish or dark in color, or if you have other signs or symptoms of a strangulated hernia such as abdominal distention, vomiting, abdominal pain.

What is the best surgery for inguinal hernia?

Currently there are two types of surgical approach for inguinal hernia which are totally safe and with rapid recovery and are:

a) Minimally invasive open surgery with mesh is a small incision, is performed as outpatient surgery can go home within hours of surgery.
b) Laparoscopic surgery 3 incisions of 5 mm and through them a camera and forceps are introduced to be able to operate inside the abdomen, can also be performed as outpatient surgery and can be discharged within hours of surgery.

The general surgeon must evaluate your case and determine which is the most appropriate procedure for your case.