Diagnosis
A physical exam is usually all that's needed to diagnose an inguinal hernia. A healthcare professional will check for a bulge in the groin area. Because standing and coughing can make a hernia more prominent, you'll likely be asked to stand and cough or strain.
If the inguinal hernia isn't readily seen, a care professional might order an imaging test, such as an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan or MRI.
Treatment
If the hernia is small and isn't causing problems, a healthcare professional might recommend watchful waiting. Sometimes, wearing a supportive truss may help relieve symptoms. A health professional can help make sure the truss fits properly and is being used appropriately. In children, a care professional might try applying manual pressure to reduce the bulge before considering surgery.
Hernias that are painful or getting bigger usually need surgery to relieve discomfort and prevent serious complications.
There are two general types of hernia operations — open hernia repair and minimally invasive hernia repair.
Open hernia repair
In this procedure, the surgeon makes a cut in the groin and pushes the protruding tissue back into the abdomen. The surgeon then sews the weakened area, often reinforcing it with a synthetic mesh. This is called a hernioplasty. The opening is then closed with stitches, staples or surgical glue. Open hernia repair might be done with local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia.
After the surgery, you'll be encouraged to move about as soon as possible, but it might be several weeks before you're able to resume regular activities.
Minimally invasive hernia repair
In this procedure requiring general anesthesia, the surgeon operates through several small cuts in the belly. The surgeon may use laparoscopic or robotic instruments to repair the hernia. Gas is used to inflate the belly to make the internal organs easier to see.
A small tube with a tiny camera, called a laparoscope, is placed into one cut. Guided by the camera, the surgeon places tiny instruments through other small cuts and repairs the hernia using synthetic mesh.
People who have a minimally invasive repair might have less discomfort and scarring after surgery and a quicker return to regular activities. Long-term results of laparoscopic and open hernia surgeries are about the same.
Minimally invasive hernia surgery allows the surgeon to avoid scar tissue from an earlier hernia repair, so it might be a good choice for people whose hernias come back after open hernia surgery. It also might be a good choice for people with hernias on both sides of the body, called bilateral hernias.
As with open surgery, it may be a few weeks before you can get back to your usual activity level.
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Preparing for your appointment
You'll likely start by seeing someone on your primary healthcare team. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
What you can do
Make a list of:
- Your symptoms, including when they started and how they may have changed or worsened over time.
- Key personal information, including recent life changes and family medical history.
- All medicines, vitamins or supplements you take, including doses.
- Questions to ask during your appointment.
Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information discussed during the appointment.
For an inguinal hernia, some basic questions to ask include:
- What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
- What tests do I need?
- What treatments are available, and which one do you recommend for me?
- If I need surgery, what will my recovery be like?
- I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
- What can I do to prevent another hernia?
Don't hesitate to ask other questions you may have.
What to expect from your doctor
You'll likely be asked a few questions, such as:
- When did your symptoms begin?
- Have your symptoms stayed the same or gotten worse?
- Do you have pain in your abdomen or groin? Does anything make the pain feel worse or better?
- What physical activity do you perform on your job? What other physical activities do you regularly engage in?
- Do you have a history of constipation?
- Have you had a previous inguinal hernia?
- Do you or did you smoke? If so, how much?
What you can do in the meantime
Get emergency medical care if you have nausea, vomiting or fever or if your hernia bulge turns red, purple or dark.
