A hernia occurs where an internal part of the body pushes through a weak area of muscle or surrounding wall tissue. There are several different types of hernia.  An inguinal hernia (groin hernia) occurs when fatty tissue, or part of the bowel, pushes through the abdominal wall into the groin. The area the hernia moves into is called the inguinal canal.

Hernias aren’t always painful when they first occur but, if not treated, the weak spot can grow over time. It’s important to always seek medical advice and assessment of a hernia as they can potentially be dangerous.

If left untreated, serious complications can develop with some hernias if part of the bowel protrudes into the inguinal canal, obstructing or strangulating the bowel (strangulated hernia). These are dangerous conditions which require emergency surgery.

Inguinal hernias occur mainly in men, but they’re not uncommon in women. Most inguinal hernias are thought to be caused by ageing (although they occur at any age) because as you become older, your abdominal muscles can become weaker.

Inguinal hernias are sometimes caused by putting pressure on the abdomen, either through carrying or pushing heavy loads - for example if you're a tradesperson -  or by straining on the toilet when constipated. Sometimes a hernia may be caused by persistent, heavy coughing.

Inguinal hernias can be sensitive to the touch or painful, but they are most noticeable by their appearance, causing bulging in the groin area. This bulging may get larger when you are standing up, coughing or lifting something heavy, and may reduce or disappear when you lie down.

Other symptoms can include pain during exercise or when coughing or bending over. This pain can sometimes be sharp and accompanied by a burning sensation. There may be swelling in the scrotum and a sensation of fullness or heaviness in the groin.

Your GP will be able to diagnose an inguinal hernia after discussing your symptoms and physically examining the area.

Whether or not you need treatment depends on the size of your hernia and the severity of your symptoms. Your GP may simply monitor your hernia for possible complications. Treatment options for a hernia include:

Medication

If you have an inguinal hernia, over the counter and prescription medications that reduce pain can relieve your discomfort and improve symptoms. Ask your healthcare provider which medicine is right for you. Ask how much to take and how often to take it.

Laparoscopic hernia repair

If you have an inguinal hernia (groin hernia) or a bilateral hernia - and are experiencing pain, severe or persistent symptoms - you might have laparoscopic hernia surgery.   

Open hernia repair

An incision is made in the groin region to allow the surgeon to repair the hernia. This is an alternative treatment to laparoscopic hernia repair.

This procedure is where a hernia is treated using ‘keyhole’ or laparoscopic surgery.

A laparoscopic inguinal (groin) hernia removal involves ‘keyhole’ surgery to push back the protruding tissue and to repair the weak area of the abdominal wall. This area of the wall is often repaired with a patch of special mesh which is stitched into position during the operation. The mesh subsequently heals into the surrounding tissue, so strengthening the wall and helping to prevent further hernias.

A hernia repair is usually performed under a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep during the operation. You’ll be in hospital for up to six hours after the operation so you may need to stay overnight if your operation is scheduled late in the day or you have a long journey home.

During a laparoscopic (keyhole) hernia repair the surgeon inserts a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera at the end) through a small incision close to your navel enabling the operation to be viewed on a screen. Using other small instruments inserted through two more small incisions, the surgeon pushes back the bulge and repairs the abdominal wall using a mesh that is glued or stapled in place. The small incisions are then closed with glue or dissolvable stitches.