Inguinal Hernia Treatment
An inguinal hernia is a small bulge that occurs in the groin region or in the lower part of your abdomen. It is much more common among men than women. At Nova Bariatrics and General Surgery, we use advanced skills and surgical measures to repair inguinal hernia in Irving, Arlington, and Paris TX. Dr. Alibhai will discuss the possible treatment options for this condition based on its severity.
Causes
There are two noticeable types of inguinal hernia:
- Indirect hernia: This is the most common type of condition, and it can even be present at birth. When the male testicles develop, they reach the scrotum area through an opening in the lower abdominal wall. This opening normally closes at birth, but if it remains open, an inguinal hernia develops. This type of hernia may occur in women due to a weakness in the abdominal wall.
- Direct hernia: In this type, the abdominal tissues or intestines protrude through a weakness in the abdominal wall. It is more common among adults and usually occurs in men. It can develop due to excessive straining, heavy weight lifting, chronic coughing, or other factors.
Diagnosis
Inguinal hernias in children become more prominent when the child cries. If the hernia is not visible during the clinical exam, we may request some imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or a CT scan, to achieve an accurate diagnosis.
In most cases of inguinal hernia among infants and adults, surgery is recommended to avoid the risk of strangulation. One of the surgical options is open surgical repair. In this case, we will place a small incision in the groin area and push the hernia back into the abdominal cavity. We may also place a mesh to close and strengthen the abdominal wall.
The other, less invasive treatment option is laparoscopic surgery. We will insert a thin scope (camera) and surgical instruments through small incisions. The hernia is pushed back, and the abdominal wall is repaired. It offers a shorter recovery time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, often part of the intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall near the groin. It’s the most common type of hernia and usually appears as a bulge in the groin area. Dr. Alibhai repairs inguinal hernias using minimally invasive techniques.
What happens if an inguinal hernia is left untreated?
An untreated inguinal hernia can grow larger and may lead to serious complications, including a strangulated hernia, where blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off — a medical emergency. Because inguinal hernias don’t resolve on their own, surgical repair is the recommended treatment.
How is inguinal hernia surgery performed?
At Nova Bariatrics, inguinal hernia repair is performed with minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques, using small incisions to reposition the tissue and reinforce the abdominal wall, often with mesh. This approach reduces pain and shortens recovery compared to traditional open surgery.