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Inguinal Hernia in a Nutshell
“A hernia occurs when an organ is squeezed through the opening in the muscle or tissue that is holding it in place. In some cases, the intestines may protrude through a weakened area in the abdominal wall.”
– Dr Ganesh Ramalingam
Hernias occur mostly in the abdomen region, but they can also appear in the upper thigh, belly button, and groin areas. Most hernia conditions are not immediately life-threatening. However, they typically require surgery to prevent potentially dangerous complications.
An inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia. It occurs when the abdominal wall weakens. This allows fatty or intestinal tissues to protrude through the weak area, and you may experience pain when you bend over, cough or carry a heavy object.
In males, the testes normally descend through their canal several weeks before birth. In females, the canals act as the passage for the round ligaments of the uterus. A hernia within or near this passageway results in a protruding bulge that causes pain during movement.
Many people do not seek treatment for this type of hernia because it may not be noticeable or not present with any additional symptoms. Seek medical attention so as to prevent further protrusion and discomfort.
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While there may not be a direct cause for inguinal hernias, the weakened spots in the abdominal and groin muscles may be a significant contributor. Placing added pressure on this area of the body can result in a hernia.
Here are some risk factors that can increase your chances of inguinal hernia. These include:
One of the most common symptoms associated with a hernia is a lump or bulge in the affected region. In the case of an inguinal hernia, one may notice a bump on the side of the pubic bone where the groin and thigh connect.
The lump might disappear when you are lying down, and it is more likely felt through touch when you are standing up, bending down, or coughing.
You might also experience some pain and discomfort in the area around the lump.
In some types of hernia, such as hiatal hernias, specific symptoms may be observed, such as heartburn, trouble swallowing, and chest pain. However, in many cases, hernias do not present with any symptoms, and you may be unaware unless the hernia shows up during a routine check-up or a medical examination for an unrelated problem.
Dr Ganesh Ramalingam: “It’s essential to recognise the signs of a hernia and to seek medical attention if you suspect that you have one. Do note that an untreated hernia will not go away by itself. Our doctor can assess your hernia and recommend a suitable treatment for your condition.”
Hernias are not limited to just adults, and the condition is quite common in children as well. That is what the parents who noticed a swelling on the left side of the groin of their eight-month-old child experienced.
As mentioned, the most common symptoms of inguinal hernias are the bulges they cause along the pubic or groin area. They tend to appear to increase in size when you stand up or cough. An inguinal hernia may be painful or sensitive to the touch.
Other symptoms may include:
The doctor will carry out a physical examination to diagnose an inguinal hernia. If your diagnosis is not immediately apparent, you might be asked to undergo a diagnostic imaging test such as abdominal ultrasound, CT scan or MRI by the doctor to determine the condition.
In some instances, whether it’s in adults or children, hernias can cause life-threatening complications. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience nausea or vomiting, fever, or sudden pain. Early medical care and lifestyle changes can minimise symptoms.
However, surgery is the only way to treat a hernia effectively. There are different types of surgeries available for hernia repairs, and your surgeon can advise on which one is recommended for your condition.
While the prognosis for hernia repair surgery is generally good but can depend on the nature of the hernia, your symptoms, and your overall health, in some cases, the hernia may recur following repair.
The inguinal region refers to the groin in the human body. The groin is the area in the body where the upper thighs meet the lowest part of the abdomen.
The groin houses several organs such as the small intestines, appendix, colon (also known as large intestine) and left and right ovaries and fallopian tubes in females.
The inguinal canal is a passage in the lower anterior abdominal wall. It is located just above the inguinal ligament. The canal starts at the internal inguinal orifice and goes down, through the layers of the abdominal wall, until it reaches the external inguinal orifice. This canal is about four to six centimeters long.
The anatomy of the inguinal canal is very important for the surgical management of inguinal hernias. As a natural opening, it can become wider to let other structures from the abdominal cavity pass through to the extra-abdominal space. Chronic increased pressure in the abdomen is known to be the main cause of this type of hernia.
While a hernia often does not require immediate attention, leaving it untreated can result in complications such as strangulation of the intestines, which can prove to be life-threatening.
Here are a few factors that you should consider when deciding on how long you should wait:
These are signs that you should not prolong seeking medical attention for your hernia. Remember, getting your hernia treated early can help to reduce the symptoms and possibly improve your lifestyle in the long run.
Diet can play an essential role in controlling the significant symptoms of a hernia, such as heartburn and acid reflux. If you have a hernia, be careful about your diet.
To help improve your condition and avoid aggravating your hernia, changing your diet may help. You may consider:
Inguinal hernias may present as indirect or direct, incarcerated, or strangulated. We will explain what each of these terms mean below.
An indirect inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia found in patients. It tends to occur in premature births, before the inguinal canal becomes closed off. However, this type of hernia may occur at any stage of life. An indirect inguinal hernia is most common in males.
A direct inguinal hernia is most common in ageing adults. It is thought that weakening muscles during adulthood contribute to a direct inguinal hernia.
An incarcerated inguinal hernia happens when the tissue becomes stuck in the groin and is not reducible. This means it cannot be pushed back into place.
A strangulated inguinal hernia occurs when the hernia has its blood flow cut off, it is a more serious medical condition which typically needs emergency medical care.
An inguinal hernia does not typically resolve without surgery. However, there are non-surgical approaches such as wearing a corset, binder, or truss to exert gentle pressure on the hernia to help keep it in place. These methods may ease the pain or discomfort and may be used if you are not fit for the surgery or awaiting surgery.
If you have a hernia, it is not likely to heal when left untreated. Hernias that are growing in size or causing pain might interfere with daily activities. These usually require surgery to ease the discomfort and prevent severe complications like painful, twisted intestines.
Hernia repair is a common procedure and is highly successful when done by an experienced surgeon.
When considering hernia repair, options may include an open inguinal herniorrhaphy or laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy.
An open inguinal herniorrhaphy involves making one larger incision over the abdomen near the groin.
With a laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy, several smaller incisions are made to allow a long, thin tube with a lighted camera that helps surgeons see inside your body to perform the surgery.
The goal of either surgical approach is returning the internal abdominal tissue(s) into the abdominal cavity. Additionally, the abdominal wall defect is repaired. A mesh, as seen above, is placed to reinforce the abdominal wall. Once these structures are put into place, your surgeon will close the opening with either sutures, staples, or adhesive glue.
After hernia surgery, it is common to experience discomfort and pain in the area surrounding the surgical site. Doctors will prescribe medication to help with this discomfort during your recovery.
Tending to your wound would require extra care. You are advised to carefully follow your surgeon’s instructions to prevent complications or infections during your recovery.
Open surgery typically requires a longer recovery process as compared to laparoscopic surgery. Your medical team will let you know when you can return to your normal routine.
Following a hernia repair, you may be unable to move around naturally for several weeks and may be advised to avoid strenuous activity. Additionally, you should avoid carrying and lifting heavy objects during this recovery period. This is to prevent adding stress and strain to the wound.
Due to the nature of a hernia and the cause, heavy lifting should be avoided wherever possible. Weightlifting could potentially cause further herniation and deterioration of your condition so it would be better not to weightlift whilst you have the hernia.
36-year-old Lynne Cope discovered she had a hernia and had it removed with a simple operation. Speaking to Daily Mail, Lynne shared about her experience with inguinal hernia and her recovery.
Robotic surgery may be an option for an inguinal hernia repair when considering a treatment method that is of lowered risk of complications. With its minimally invasive nature, robotic surgery offers less pain, shorter hospital stays, a reduced recovery period and fewer postoperative complications compared to traditional open or laparoscopic procedures.
Additionally, the usage of robotic technology has made it possible to repair hernias that were previously considered too complex or risky to treat.
Ultimately, our team will take the time to educate patients on all possible treatment options so they can make an informed decision as to whether robotic surgery is the appropriate option for their individual circumstances.
After surgery to repair your inguinal hernia, patients with swelling or incisional scars near the abdominal region may be recommended to wear an abdominal compression garment.
Abdominal compression garments, also known as a ‘hernia belt’ are worn around the abdomen to provide support for painful areas and encourage recovery after surgery.
The goal is not to cut off circulation but rather reduce swelling which improves healing, while controlling sudden movements that may be uncomfortable in some cases, such as coughing up blood after having an organ removed due its proximity with other sensitive organs under your skin.
The soft garment fits over your stomach and compresses it, acting as a support, thereby minimising any scarring caused by large protruding organs.
Depending on the nature of your condition, the cost of inguinal hernia surgery may range from $4,000 to $5,000 for a single-sided hernia to $6,000 to $7,000 if the hernia occurs on both sides. These fees are only inclusive of the doctor’s fee and excludes the costs of hospitalisation, your insurance claimables, and deductibles along with your MediSave payouts.
For a more detailed estimation, you may refer to MOH’s Historical Transacted Bill Sizes and Fee Benchmarks or speak to our friendly staff at G&L Surgical for advice.
In this minimally invasive procedure, patients might experience less discomfort and scarring after hernia surgery and can engage in normal activities more quickly. Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery by Dr Ganesh Ramalingam at G & L Surgical Clinic in Singapore is preferred by patients looking for a reduced recovery period. Laparoscopic hernia repair surgery has proven to be highly effective with more than 90 per cent of hernias not returning after the procedure.
Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort. Having had adequate experience in performing advanced laparoscopic hernia surgeries for numerous patients for many years in Singapore.
Furthermore, the staff at G & L Surgical Clinic have been thoroughly and adequately trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. Whether you intend to undergo our hernia treatments procedures or other medical services in Singapore, you can rest assured that you will be properly and sufficiently cared for by trained professionals.
Organise a consultation with our surgeons for further assistance on hernia treatments in Singapore.
What Are My Pain Relief Options For An Inguinal Hernia?
While painkillers can help relieve the discomfort from a hernia, it does not effectively treat the condition. Hernias are typically treated with surgery to effectively repair the defect and prevent further complications such as pain, tissue damage, and even bowel obstruction.
Are There Exercises That Can Strengthen The Core Muscles And Prevent The Inguinal Hernia From Getting Worse?
In general, strengthening the muscles of the core, which includes the muscles of the abdomen, back, and pelvis, can help to support the spine and improve overall stability and balance. This can potentially help to reduce the risk of hernias or prevent hernias from worsening. However, certain types of exercises, such as heavy weightlifting or activities that put a strain on the abdominal wall, may not be suitable for people with hernias.
What Foods Should I Avoid If I Have An Inguinal Hernia?
It’s best to avoid foods that could cause constipation like dairy products, processed food and caffeine drinks.
Does Sitting Affect Inguinal Hernia?
There are certain activities that could aggravate a hernia like prolonged sitting, sneezing, coughing, bending forward and laughing.
What Are My Treatment Options For An Inguinal Hernia?
If your inguinal hernia is small and does not cause any pain or discomfort, our doctor may recommend that you simply observe it. However, if your hernia is large or painful, surgery is likely the best option. Hernia surgery is a relatively standard and straightforward procedure, and the vast majority of patients experience a full recovery with no complications following the repair.
Due to my work, I got a hernia on my inner thigh and had to see a doctor to get it treated. I found Dr Ganesh online and I am so glad that he is a very patient and caring doctor.
He understood the challenges I faced and proposed that I do hernia repair as the hernia was getting worse. Within a week, I got the procedure scheduled and he helped me to get the hernia repaired. Now, I am back to work and feeling normal with no pain.
Dr Ganesh also gave me good advice to make sure I don’t trigger the condition again. Thank you to all the nurses at G&L Surgical too. All of you are so nice and always smiling, it gave me a great assurance that I am in good hands.
Dr Ganesh is a kind and caring doctor. I had a hernia after childbirth for quite some time but never thought much of it.
However, I noticed that the hernia started to grow larger and I was feeling discomfort from it. It was getting quite painful and I was worried it’s something serious.
I found Dr Ganesh online and scheduled an appointment with him on the day. He assessed that I have an umbilical hernia and recommended that I undergo a hernia repair. As it turns out, fixing the hernia is not a major surgery and I am now back to work with no more bulges on my belly.
I feel much better thanks to him. Thank you to the G&L Team for doing great work!
I had a hernia near my hip and was recommended to Dr Ganesh through a mutual friend. What surprised me most was that Dr Ganesh was unlike any doctor that I have met. My impression of a specialist is that they will always recommend that I undergo surgery but to my surprise, his advice was the opposite. He did an assessment and advised that I did not require a hernia repair as the hernia is still fairly small at the time.
I followed his advice and managed to avoid triggering the pain for about 2 months. However, as I started getting active at the gym, I noticed the hernia was getting larger again and the same discomfort was returning so I went back to visit Dr Ganesh again.
This time around as the hernia is much larger, I had to opt for the hernia repair. Honestly, it wasn’t too bad since I trusted in his skills. The entire procedure was quick and seamless and within a week, I am already back to work.
My absolute gratitude to Dr Ganesh and his team for displaying professionalism, efficiency and assurance that allowed me to be at ease throughout my entire treatment. Your dedication to your work is definitely a blessing and you are truly an amazing doctor!
I had an incisional hernia on the scar above where I had my appendix removed some years ago. It started to bother me and hurt so I came across Dr Ganesh’s clinic online. He’s a friendly doctor and super patient, and had no issues explaining to my husband and I all those questions that we have gathered from reading online.
Turns out it wasn’t as serious as the horror stories we read online but my hernia would definitely need to be repaired.
His team was very fast and booked me in for the procedure within a week. Everything went smoothly and my husband was very pleased that Dr Ganesh was very reassuring. Right before the surgery, Dr Ganesh noticed that he was very worried and even got the staff to grab a cup of coffee for my husband.
I am so grateful to this team for being so kind and thoughtful. If you are even looking for a doctor that cares, this is where you should go. Thank you G&L Clinic!
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