Inguinal Hernia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

An inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia. It appears as a bulge or lump in the groin area below the abdomen. This hernia can sometimes be painful, and the bulge often becomes noticeable when lifting heavy objects and disappears when lying down.

The Symptoms :

Not all cases of inguinal hernia cause symptoms, and sometimes symptoms may come and go. Generally, symptoms of inguinal hernia include:

  • A bulge in the lower abdomen on one side of the pubic bone, which becomes more apparent when standing or coughing.
  • A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the groin area.
  • Pain in the groin, especially during exertion, lifting heavy objects, coughing, or bending.
  • In children, the bulge may become noticeable when the child cries and disappear when they are asleep.

The Causes : 

An inguinal hernia occurs due to weakness in the muscles and tissues in the lower abdominal wall at the inguinal canal, allowing a part of the intestine to protrude through this wall. Inguinal hernias can be divided into two main types based on their causes:

  • Indirect inguinal hernia: This is caused by a congenital weakness in the lower abdominal wall. Normally, there are openings in the abdominal wall of the fetus that close before birth. In some cases, these openings do not close, allowing the intestine to bulge through. Although the weakness is present from birth, symptoms may not appear until many years later.
  • Direct inguinal hernia: This results from a weakness and thinning of the abdominal wall that develops over time. This type is more common in men and is rare in women and children.

When to See a Doctor?

It is important to consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of an inguinal hernia. You should seek immediate medical attention if the hernia changes color to red or purple, or if you experience severe pain in that area.

The Diagnosing :

To diagnose an inguinal hernia, the doctor will conduct a series of clinical examinations to check the abdomen and look for the hernia. If the hernia is not diagnosed through clinical examination, imaging tests may be used, such as:

  • Ultrasound.
  • CT scan.
  • MRI.

The Treatment :

In many cases, an inguinal hernia does not require treatment, and monitoring the condition may be sufficient to ensure that symptoms do not worsen or that the hernia does not become strangulated. However, sometimes surgical treatment may be necessary. Dr. Ahmad Al-Wahidi performs two types of surgical procedures to treat inguinal hernias with high skill and expertise:

  • Open hernia repair surgery: This involves making a small incision (2-3 cm) at the base of the abdomen, pulling the protruding tissue back inside, and stitching the area to prevent recurrence. In some cases, a mesh may be placed on the abdominal wall to strengthen the muscles and provide additional support.
  • Laparoscopic hernia repair: This involves making three small incisions in different areas of the abdomen to insert a laparoscope, which will repair the hernia and stitch the abdomen with minimal surgical intervention. This method offers quicker recovery and fewer side effects compared to open surgery. 

If you have any questions or need medical advice regarding inguinal hernia and its treatment, do not hesitate to consult Dr. Ahmad Al-Wahidi at the Saudi Hospital Clinics in Amman, Jordan.

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