An inguinal hernia is the bulging fatty tissue or a part of the bowel (such as the intestine) that pushes through a weakened area or defect in the abdomen near the groin. The hernia protrudes through a weak spot in the muscle wall and goes through a passage, called an inguinal canal, near the groin.
Open inguinal surgery is generally performed by a general surgeon. The surgery may be done under regional or general anesthesia. Read more: How Long Does an Open Inguinal Hernia Repair Take? Article
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Hernias: Causes, Types, and Treatments
Hernias often don't cause many symptoms, but they can lead to some serious problems. Use this WebMD slideshow to help yourself...
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Hernia Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
Exactly what is a hernia and why do we get them? Take this quiz to learn causes, symptoms, treatments and home remedies for this...
SLIDESHOW
Appendicitis: Symptoms, Signs, Causes, Appendectomy in Detail See SlideshowRelated Disease Conditions
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Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can have many causes that range from mild to severe. Some of these causes include bloating, gas, colitis, endometriosis, food poisoning, GERD, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ovarian cysts, abdominal adhesions, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, gallbladder disease, liver disease, and cancers. Signs and symptoms of the more serious causes include dehydration, bloody or black tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, pain with no urination or painful urination. Treatment for abdominal pain depends upon the cause.
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Hiatal Hernia
Hiatal hernia is a condition in which a thin membrane of tissue connects the esophagus with the diaphragm becoming weak, and a portion of the stomach slides up into the esophagus. Causes include obesity, pregnancy, straining during a bowel movement, aging, and ascites. There are generally no symptoms of a hiatal hernia, and it is discovered during another medical procedure to test for GERD or other swallowing problems.
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Hernia (Abdominal Hernia)
A hernia occurs when an organ or piece of tissue protrudes from the space in which it is normally contained. Symptoms of a hernia include pain, nausea, vomiting, bowel obstruction, and fever. Hernias are diagnosed by a physical exam and imaging tests. Some hernias may be held in place with a supportive belt. Other hernias require surgical repair. The prognosis of people who undergo elective hernia repair tends to be good.
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Where Is the Groin Area in Men and Women?
The groin area is located at the same place in men and women—at the junction where the upper body or abdomen meets the thigh. It is an area of the hip and is comprised of five muscles that work together to move your leg.
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Direct vs. Indirect Hernia
Direct and indirect hernia are both inguinal hernias. Both types of hernias may cause a visible bulge in the groin area. Weakness in the muscle of the abdominal wall causes a direct hernia. A birth defect causes an indirect hernia. Hernias that can't be pushed in need surgery.
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What Causes an Umbilical Hernia?
What is an umbilical hernia and how are they caused? Learn more about umbilical hernias, how umbilical hernias happen, and what to expect if you or your baby has an umbilical hernia.
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